Published on Tuesday, October 20, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rican authorities destroyed more than 9,300 firearms Monday as part of efforts to keep illegal weapons out of circulation and ensure that law enforcement officers use properly functioning firearms, the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) announced.

The weapons included firearms seized from criminal groups and individuals who used them illegally, as well as government-owned weapons that had become obsolete.

President Laura Fernández-Delgado attended the destruction ceremony at the National Arsenal facilities in San José.

 

“Every seized firearm means one less weapon in the hands of organized crime,” Fernández said in remarks to reporters during the ceremony.


Fernández also announced that her administration had submitted a series of legal reforms to Congress aimed at imposing harsher prison sentences for illegal firearms possession and restricting criminal groups’ access to weapons capable of firing at high rates.


In June, Fernández introduced Bill No. 24.388, titled Reform of the Law on Firearms and Explosives. Among the proposed changes are prison sentences of six to 10 years for firing at police officers.

The proposed penalty increases to 10 to 15 years in prison when criminals use weapons prohibited or illegal for civilian use in Costa Rica, such as heavy sniper rifles and anti-materiel rifles.

The destruction of weapons held in government custody is intended to prevent discarded firearms from returning to circulation and ensure that law enforcement officers use only weapons in optimal working condition.

According to the MSP, approximately 13,000 firearms remain awaiting destruction. Additional destruction operations are expected throughout the rest of the year.

Under Law No. 9731, officially known as the Law on Firearms and Explosives, private individuals in Costa Rica may legally own and register up to two firearms for personal protection.


To qualify, a person must be a Costa Rican citizen or a permanent resident who meets the residency identification requirement by holding a DIMEX card.

The MSP is responsible for maintaining public order, overseeing the country's police forces and coordinating Costa Rica's national crime-fighting strategies.

------------

What strategy should Costa Rica adopt to reduce illegal firearm use? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com