Guatemalan Police to Purchase 50,000 Riot Control Grenades and Projectiles

Guatemala's National Civil Police (PNC) is preparing to acquire a significant quantity of riot control equipment, totaling 50,000 units. The planned purchase includes distraction grenades, triple-action tear gas grenades, white smoke grenades, and tear gas and white smoke projectiles.

The PNC justifies this acquisition as a measure to strengthen its operational capabilities in preventing and combating crime, as well as managing public order. According to the procurement documents, the equipment is essential for responding effectively to public disturbances and reducing risks to both law enforcement officers and citizens. The purchase aligns with the PNC's mandate to protect life, physical integrity, and property, as well as to prevent, investigate, and combat crime.

This initiative is also driven by requests from various police stations and sub-directorates across the country, aiming to improve interoperability among different divisions during security operations. The acquisition is included in the Annual Procurement Plan for the fiscal year 2026. However, the specific distribution of these dissuasive means to different regions or departments had not been disclosed by the press time.

The planned purchase of riot control gear is part of a broader effort by the PNC to modernize its equipment. Recent investments include the acquisition of 540 police vehicles and 5,000 portable radios. While the vehicle purchase is proceeding, the radio acquisition is reportedly under audit by the General Comptroller's Office, with a lawmaker raising concerns about potential overpricing.