WILLEMSTAD – Police forces from across the Dutch Caribbean are launching a joint campaign to encourage the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms. The initiative brings together the police corps of Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten.
The inter-island campaign is being coordinated in cooperation with the College of Police Chiefs and the Public Prosecutor’s Offices of the participating islands. It marks the first time that law enforcement authorities in the region are organizing a coordinated initiative of this kind.
During a period that will be announced soon, individuals who possess illegal firearms will be able to hand them in voluntarily without facing criminal prosecution for violations of weapons laws. Authorities hope the initiative will help reduce the number of illegal guns in circulation and lower the risk of gun-related violence.
According to the police, the simultaneous action across multiple islands sends a clear message that illegal firearm possession and gun violence will not be tolerated. Officials say the campaign also highlights growing regional cooperation on public safety and law enforcement.
After the voluntary surrender period ends, police and prosecutors plan to intensify enforcement efforts. These measures may include targeted inspections and judicial searches at various locations across the islands to identify and seize illegal firearms.
Police are urging residents to take advantage of the opportunity to surrender weapons voluntarily. Authorities say individuals who do so will avoid prosecution while contributing to a safer community.
Further details about the exact dates, locations and procedures for handing in firearms will be announced separately by each island in the coming days.