In an attempt to reduce violent crime, the Mexican government has started a citizen disarmament program.
This initiative awards up to $1300 in financial incentives to those who willingly turn in firearms including assault rifles and machine guns.
On Monday, January 6, the country’s official gazette posted information about the monetary incentives for surrendering firearms at specified locations within churches.
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A revolver will cost 8700 pesos ($430) an AK-47 rifle will cost 25000 pesos ($1200) and a machine gun will cost 26450 pesos ($1300).
Last month President Claudia Sheinbaum urged people to join the Yes to Disarmament Yes to Peace campaign saying that those who were hesitant would not face any legal repercussions for giving up their weapons.
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“It’s about setting up places like the lobbies of churches where people can go to turn in their weapons voluntarily and give them economic incentives to give up their firearms,” she said.
Sheinbaum added, “We also had it in Mexico City, and it had significant results,” referencing the success of a similar program implemented during her tenure as mayor of the capital, a city of around nine million residents.
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The illegal drug trade is a major contributing factor to Mexico’s ongoing violent crime problem.
Additionally, the government has called on the US to combat the trafficking of weapons across the shared border on numerous occasions.
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