Santo Domingo leads Dominican Republic in firearm seizures

Santo Domingo province leads the Dominican Republic in firearm seizures, with the National Police confiscating 270 units between 2020 and early 2026. This figure represents 24.50% of the 1,102 firearms seized nationwide during the period, according to data from the Directorate of Criminal Analysis and Documentation.

Following Santo Domingo, the National District reported 146 seizures, and San Cristóbal ranked third with 82. Other provinces with significant confiscations include La Altagracia and Puerto Plata, each with 52 firearms; Santiago, with 49; San Pedro de Macorís, with 48; and Espaillat, with 46. Provinces with lower seizure numbers include Montecristi, Dajabón, and Santiago Rodríguez in the border region, which reported no confiscations during the analyzed timeframe. Samaná recorded eight seizures, while Pedernales reported four.

Pistols constitute the vast majority of confiscated weapons, totaling 909 units, or 82.5% of all firearms seized. Revolvers accounted for 123 units, followed by shotguns (63), rifles (2), and fusils (5). The data indicates a peak in seizures in 2024, with 447 firearms confiscated, a significant increase from previous years. In contrast, 2023 saw 315 seizures, while 2025 recorded a considerable drop to 128 units. The period between 2020 and 2022, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, showed lower seizure numbers, ranging from 33 in 2020 to 86 in 2022.

Possession of firearms without a proper license is illegal under Law 631-16 on Control and Regulation of Arms, Ammunition, and Related Materials. This law stipulates penalties of three to five years in prison, confiscation of the weapon, and a fine equivalent to 25 to 50 minimum public sector wages for illegal possession.