THE BOTTOM / ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius – The Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN), in cooperation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office BES, is launching a temporary firearm surrender campaign on Saba and St. Eustatius aimed at reducing illegal firearm possession and improving public safety.
The campaign follows a similar initiative held on Bonaire last month and gives residents the opportunity to voluntarily hand in firearms without facing criminal prosecution. According to the authorities, people surrendering a weapon will not be required to identify themselves or provide personal information.
On Saba, the campaign will run from May 18 through May 24 at the police station in The Bottom. On St. Eustatius, residents will be able to surrender firearms from May 25 through May 31 at the police station on Father van Teffelenweg. In both cases, firearms can be handed in daily between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
KPCN and the Public Prosecutor’s Office stressed that firearms should be transported safely and discreetly and encouraged residents to make use of the temporary arrangement.
Stricter enforcement
Authorities also warned that stricter enforcement and targeted checks against illegal firearm possession will follow after the surrender periods end.
