Cape Verde Ammunition Seizures Up 113% as National Crime Drops
Authorities in Cape Verde are reporting a massive surge in ammunition interceptions at the nation’s maritime borders. According to newly released data from the National Police, ammunition seizures at international ports skyrocketed by 113.2% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Border Crackdown Yields Record Results
The National Police revealed on Thursday that fiscal guard inspections led to the discovery of 3,675 rounds of ammunition at international ports—an increase of 1,951 rounds over the 2024 figures. This trend extended beyond the docks; ammunition seizures on public roads also rose significantly, with 1,047 rounds recovered, up by 259 from the year prior.
The police department credited the spike to intensified screening and targeted operations. “The data shows that police action has been effective in the continuous reduction of the number of weapons in circulation, through arrests in flagrante delicto and seizures during operations carried out on public roads and upon entry into the national territory,” the statement said.
Street Crime and Weapon Possession on the Decline
While the volume of intercepted ammunition rose, other indicators suggest a cooling of illicit weapon activity within the archipelago. Arrests for the illegal possession or use of firearms dropped to 216—31 fewer than in 2024. Arrests involving bladed weapons (such as knives or machetes) fell by 13.9%, totaling 366 for the year.
Law enforcement also seized a total of 512 firearms in 2025, 312 of which were identified as homemade weapons. Additionally, 1,980 bladed weapons were confiscated. Both figures represent a decrease compared to 2024, suggesting that fewer weapons are successfully reaching the streets or remaining in circulation.
Broad Drop in Criminal Activity
The crackdown on movement of ammunition coincides with an overall improvement in national security. In March, police reported that Cape Verde saw 18,255 criminal incidents throughout 2025. This marks an 11.1% reduction in crime compared to 2024, with 2,269 fewer offenses recorded nationwide.
Authorities remain optimistic that the aggressive stance at international ports will continue to stifle the flow of illegal materials, further driving down crime rates across the islands.
Image: Pexels – Terrance Barksdale
