The seizure of ammunition in international ports in Cape Verde more than doubled in 2025, rising by 113.2% compared to 2024, the National Police announced.
According to a statement released on Thursday, authorities seized 3,675 rounds of ammunition at international ports—an increase of 1,951 compared to the previous year—following inspection operations carried out by the fiscal guard.
In contrast, arrests related to the illegal possession or use of weapons declined during the same period, as did the number of firearms and bladed weapons seized.
Police recorded 216 arrests in flagrante delicto for illegal possession or use of firearms, 31 fewer than in 2024. Arrests related to bladed weapons totaled 366, a decrease of 59 cases, representing a drop of 13.9%.
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Authorities also seized 512 firearms, including 312 homemade weapons, and 1,980 bladed weapons, both showing a decline compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, ammunition seizures in public spaces increased to 1,047 rounds in 2025, up by 259 from the same period in 2024.
“The data shows that police action has been effective in continuously reducing the number of weapons in circulation, through arrests in flagrante delicto and the seizure of weapons and ammunition during operations in public spaces and at national entry points,” the statement said.
Earlier in March, police reported that Cape Verde recorded 18,255 criminal cases in 2025, a decrease of 2,269 compared to 2024, representing an overall drop of 11.1% in crime.
