From 17 to 18 December 2024, representatives of various institutions involved in arms and ammunition control in Iquitos, Peru participated in the Executive Workshop on Illicit Trafficking and Manufacture of Firearms and Ammunition. This activity was organized by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru.
Participants included officials from the Peruvian National Police, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Judiciary, SUNAT-Customs, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the National Intelligence Directorate, the Citizen Security Directorate of the Municipality of Maynas, the Citizen Security Management of the Regional Government of Loreto, and the National Superintendency for the Control of Security Services, Arms, Ammunition and Explosives for Civilian Use (SUCAMEC). They shared their experiences and challenges in addressing the complex issue of illicit arms trafficking.
During the opening session, Carlos Jimenez from the Directorate of Security and Defense Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to UNLIREC and Germany for their support in enhancing Peru’s capabilities in this critical area.
This workshop aimed to equip national authorities with the knowledge and technical tools needed to develop strategies for preventing and combatting illicit trafficking in firearms and ammunition in line with international standards.. Participants engaged in discussions about trends in illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as methods used for the illicit manufacture and trafficking of firearms and ammunition.
To further enrich the workshop, the National Intelligence Directorate (DINI) shared insights into the dynamics of illicit firearms trafficking in Peru, including trends and illustrative case studies. SUCAMEC also presented on national regulations concerning firearms and ammunition transfers, detailing supervision operations that highlight various diversion methods. This collaborative environment facilitated the exchange of information and best practices among institutions.
This workshop is part of the project “Support for the Implementation of Subregional, Regional and Global Instruments and Frameworks Related to Small Arms Control and Ammunition Management in Latin America and the Caribbean”, funded by Germany.