Baja California Sur Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío attended a ceremony marking International Firearms Destruction Day at the Third Military Zone, where authorities destroyed five seized weapons as a symbol of their commitment to disarmament efforts in the state.
The event brought together federal, state, and municipal officials. The ceremonial destruction included two long guns and three handguns, all removed from public circulation as part of ongoing security operations in BCS.
Weapons Exchange Program Open to All Residents
Officials used the ceremony to promote the Programa de Canje de Armas, a weapons exchange program that allows anyone in Baja California Sur to voluntarily surrender firearms. In return, participants receive cash or goods. The program accepts unregistered or unwanted weapons with no questions asked, and it operates through coordination between the Mexican military and state authorities.
The Third Military Zone, headquartered in La Paz, oversees military operations across Baja California Sur. The base regularly hosts security events and coordinates with civilian authorities on public safety programs.
Firearm Destruction Events Across Baja Peninsula
The BCS ceremony took place alongside similar events across Mexico. In neighboring Baja California, authorities destroyed more than 1,000 firearms linked to criminal activity during a separate ceremony at the Cuartel Morelos military installation in Tijuana on July 9. That event was led by military officials who called the destruction a tangible commitment by the Army, Air Force, and National Guard to public safety.
Castro Cosío, a member of the Morena party, has served as governor since September 10, 2021. His six-year, non-renewable term has included periodic public appearances at military and security events as the state works to address crime concerns across the peninsula.
International Firearms Destruction Day is observed annually as part of a United Nations initiative encouraging member states to destroy surplus, seized, and obsolete weapons. Mexico has participated in the observance for years, with destruction ceremonies held at military bases nationwide.
For residents holding unwanted firearms, the weapons exchange program remains active through military zone offices in La Paz. Details are available through the BCS state government and local military authorities.
This story was first reported by the Baja California Sur state government at bcs.gob.mx.