Bahamian Police destroy over 1,400 firearms to keep weapons off streets

The Royal Bahamas Police Force encased more than 1,400 firearms in concrete on Wednesday, part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure dangerous weapons never return to the streets.

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The disposal took place at the Internal Security Division (ISD) of the police force. Authorities said a total of 1,428 weapons — about 20 per cent of the estimated 7,000 firearms in police custody — were destroyed. The cache included seized illegal guns as well as obsolete weapons from government stockpiles.

The event was conducted in partnership with the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Caricom Impacs, and the United States Embassy, which donated the underground gun disposal system.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said the exercise underscored the government’s commitment not only to permanently eliminate illicit weapons, but also to improve stockpile management. He noted the timing coincided with the launch of MAG’s policy framework for the sustainable disposal of firearms and ammunition in the Caribbean.

“The only way to guarantee that a firearm will never be used again is to destroy it and properly dispose of the remnants,” Munroe said. “It is an important pillar in the policy of gun control, public safety and arms management. The government of The Bahamas is keenly aware that improving our nation’s safety and security is inextricably linked to the final disposal of firearms.”

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish acknowledged that firearms trafficking and illegal gun use affect both The Bahamas and the United States, with criminal groups and drug traffickers spreading small arms and ammunition through communities.

Furnish said the joint initiative will help prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands. She added that the U.S.-funded programme will enhance security, destroy surplus guns and ammunition, and provide training for those managing weapons stockpiles.