WILLEMSTAD – A total of thirteen firearms have been voluntarily surrendered during the first week of Curaçao’s weapon amnesty campaign, according to the Public Prosecution Service and the Curaçao Police Force.
The initiative, launched on March 16 under the slogan “Entrega bo arma, salba un alma” (hand in your weapon, save a life), aims to reduce the number of illegal firearms circulating on the island. During the campaign period, individuals can turn in weapons and ammunition without facing criminal prosecution.
Weapons can be handed in at the Public Prosecution Service office, known as De Tempel, on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Participants receive a financial incentive ranging from 300 to 750 guilders, depending on the type and condition of the weapon.
Authorities emphasized that the payment should not be seen as a purchase, but rather as an incentive to encourage participation and contribute to public safety.
Officials described the initial results as positive and are urging anyone still in possession of illegal firearms to take advantage of the opportunity. The campaign will run until Friday, March 27.