Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Peru's Gun Control Agency to Destroy Tens of Thousands of Firearms

(LIP-ir) -- Abiding by international peace and disarmament policies, the Peruvian General Directorate for the Control of Security Services, Guns, Ammunitions and Explosives for Civil Use (DICSCAMEC) is to incinerate 35,240 firearms within the next several months.

Since DICSCAMEC depends on Peru's Ministry of the Interior, it is waiting for the Ministry to define the date on which the firearms will be destroyed, said the general director of DICSCAMEC, Ricardo Ganiku.

He explained that the firearms to be incinerated consisted of pistols, revolvers, shotguns, rifles and carbines.

According to the general director of DICSCAMEC, the firearms were confiscated from criminals, people that had obtained them illegally and from people that did not have a license or had an expired one.

As has been done in other incinerations, Peru's authorities are waiting for representatives from the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) to be present at the destruction of the firearms.

The commission is made up of representatives from Peru's Foreign Affairs, Interior and Defense Ministries as well as representatives from DICSCAMEC and Peru's National Police, among others.

In December 2007, DICSCAMEC destroyed 7,771 firearms which had been confiscated from criminals.

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# Ruben says :
16 January, 2008 [ 12:54 ]

Why does anyone need the United Nations envolved? The UN has to come down here and hold our hands during this process? United Nations is totaly worthless. All they do is suck off of the economy of other countries in order to exist.

# Close the UN says :
16 January, 2008 [ 14:26 ]

Ruben, you are correct.  The UN is an impotent, bloated, ineffectual organization that is a money hole.  They sit up there in NYC and dine out at 5 star restaurants "on the expense account".  Ex Sec. Gen. Kofi Annon is a criminal.  His son too.

# Philip M. Johnson says :
29 January, 2008 [ 01:10 ]

I AM A 62 YEAR OLD US CITIZEN WHO MARRIED A 53 OLD PERUVIAN WOMAN FROM IQUITOS PERU. I HAVE A CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT TO CARRY IN THE USA IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA AS WELL. MY WIFE WANTS TO BECOME A CITIZEN OF THE USA, AND THEN WE WILL MOVE BACK TO MIRAFLORES IN LIMA PERU. CAN I GET A CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT TO CARRY A AUTOMATIC PISTOL IN LIMA PERU?? MY EMAIL IS: philip_N_sc@hotmail.com  

                                                                      PHILIP M. JOHNSON
                                                                      NORTH AUGUSTA S.C..
                                                                                          USA

# Anonymous Dave says :
29 January, 2008 [ 08:27 ]

Unlike Georgia and South Carolina, Peru is not quite so much of a 3rd world country. So... no.

# Esteban L. says :
29 January, 2008 [ 08:38 ]

I know that coming from the southern hick states to the civilization of Lima must be a difficult and terrifying experience for you, but thats little cause to go and shoot everyone.

Yours,
Esteban.

# PJ says :
29 January, 2008 [ 19:01 ]

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# Gerald says :
3 February, 2008 [ 13:06 ]

Owning a firearm is an exercise in responsibility, and does not automatically qualify someone as evil. As world events have shown, there are far worse things evil persons can do. Be it gas, bombs, a car, a knife, a person intent on mayhem will find a tool to do it with. The idea that a firearm somehow is at fault is ludicrous. Countries around the world are discovering this to late and the hard way. When firearms are made illegal, only criminals will be left with them.

Firearm bans are the politically expedient way for politicians of any country to make themselves look like they are doing something about social and economic problems. However; it is only a band-aid and fails to fix the underlying socioeconomic problems that create violence and lack of respect for human life as a whole.

# Philip Johnson says :
3 February, 2008 [ 21:20 ]

Esteban,

 Sorry you feel as though Georgia and South Carolina are hick states! How strange that most people from the North want to move here because the pace is somewhat slower and the cost of living is cheaper. There is nothing terrifying about Lima except the way they drive and thats certainly no reason to want to shoot anyway! I guess having not been a gun owner, you would not understand so I will not argue with you over gun ownership in Peru. And Esteban if you want to be a comedian they are hiring in New York.

# latino en VT says :
4 February, 2008 [ 03:41 ]

COME ON GUYS LEAVE THIS OLD GUY ALONE.
LIMA IS NICE, CRAZY  DRIVERS YES, BUT NICE PEOPLE, AND OPEN AND FRIENDLY, NO LIKE THE USA PEOPLE WHO ARE GROUCHY AND COMPLAINT ABOUT STUPID STUFF WHEN HEY ACTUALLY GOT IT EASY W A REALLY EASY GOING GOVERMENT.
SO THIS OLD GUY, SHOULD GET IN TOUCH W A GOVERNMENT OR USA EMBASY AND INQUIRY ABOUT WEAPONS IN PERU.
HE'S JUST SCARE OF ROBERY AND S***.
BUT IT DEPENDS WHERE U GO IN ORDER FOR HAT TO HAPPEN.
THANKS

# ChrisUK says :
5 February, 2008 [ 19:41 ]

Good afternoon,
                     I'm English and my wife is Peruvian, we both live in England now but are returning to Peru in June. I was wondering if anybody knew if it's actually legal to own firearms in Peru as an immigrant? I practise shooting  semi-professionally with small calibre rifles and professionally with a bow.

 I'm not looking to acquire concealed firearms permit nor have the desire to own hand cannons and rocket launchers, but just a regular shooting permit which allows me to continue one of my hobbies privately. Does anyone have any info on this?

 

Thank you,

Chris UK

# Philip Johnson says :
5 February, 2008 [ 19:47 ]

THANK YOU CHRIS,

THATS ALL I WANTED TO KNOW AS WELL BUT I END UP GETTING CALLED OLD AND A HICK AS WELL...LOL....I AM GLAD TO SEE YOU ASK YOUR QUESTION IN A BETTER WAY THAN I MIGHT HAVE! I LOVE LIMA AND PERU AS WELL, WHY WOULD I WANT TO DISRESPECT THE COUNTRY THAT MY WIFE COMES FROM?

                                    PHILIP JOHNSON

# Chris UK says :
5 February, 2008 [ 20:09 ]

Hi Phillip,
           Thank you for your reply, have you uncovered any info on this subject yet?

Chris UK

# jb says :
5 February, 2008 [ 20:51 ]

What I understand is that you can import or posess (unless you are an ex- police / military personnel), or purchse and/or DECLARE any importation of any firearm that is considered a "weapon of war".  This includes but is not limited to 45 caliber, 9mm, .223 calibre (M16), etc. 

# Philip Johnson says :
5 February, 2008 [ 21:24 ]

NO CHRIS NOTHING YET, I'M SURE SOMEONE ELSE BESIDES US LIKES THE HOBBY OF TARGET SHOOTING AS WELL, THANKS FOR BEING A GENTLEMAN AS WELL! 

# Chris UK says :
6 February, 2008 [ 05:09 ]

" jb says :
5 February, 2008 [ 20:51 ]

What I understand is that you can import or posess (unless you are an ex- police / military personnel), or purchse and/or DECLARE any importation of any firearm that is considered a "weapon of war".  This includes but is not limited to 45 caliber, 9mm, .223 calibre (M16), etc."


Hi JB,
       Thank you for your input, this is interesting. Do you have any evidence to support this claim? I've tried searching through Peruvian government WebPages but no avail I'm afraid. I've just emailed a couple of firearms retailers and importers from Lima, I'll post their results here on this page.

-Chris UK

# jb says :
6 February, 2008 [ 06:05 ]

I moved here 8 years ago from the US.  I had a 9mm Glock with a carry permit.  My mover told me he could not take it.  I checked with some friends in Lima (Peruvians) who are ex-military.  The told me don't bring it because it violates 2 statutes -- semi-automatic and 9mm -- I was told that these are only for active duty and ex-police/military.
There is a gunshop in Jockey Plaza on the 2nd floor.  They can probably cite the legal authorities. 
It's probably just as well you don't import or buy a gun in Peru.  You don't want to be in an altercation here and kill or wound a local -- even if the guy was trying to kill or rob you in your own home.  The press would have a field day.   "Gringo Kills Poor Local".  Better to invest in window bars, a centrally monitored alarm system and renter's insurance.  Over the past 8 years, 6 of my neighbors have had their homes burglarized.  All had dogs, none had an alarm system.  I am convinced that burgulars are not deterred by dogs and they absolutely know which houses have an active, centrally monitored alarm system.  They also know that someone will be responding within 10-15 minutes if you have an alarm.  They cannot possibly steal enough stuff within that time frame to matter.  The insurance will cover it.

# jb says :
6 February, 2008 [ 06:17 ]

CORRECTION to my earlier post: 

What I understand is that you CANNOT import or posess (unless you are an active duty or ex- police / military personnel), or purchse and/or DECLARE any importation of any firearm that is considered a "weapon of war".  This includes but is not limited to 45 caliber, 9mm, .223 calibre (M16), etc. 

Also you CANNOT import or possess any semi-automatic weapon unless you are also active duty or ex-police/military.  This means that if you receive authorization to possess a handgun it has to be a revolver and probably a .38 cal or less. 

# Chris UK says :
6 February, 2008 [ 10:12 ]

Hi Jb,
      Thank you for your reply, I know the gun store in Jockey Plaza, I'll ask there next time I'm in Lima. The top and bottom of the reason for my wanting to own a firearm, is that I lived in Lima with my wife for 2 years, and from what I've seen is that the Comissaria are totally inefficient and I've yet to see an officer below the age of 40, and the Serenazgo are an absolute joke.

I don't feel they can offer the security our English police force has, like 3 minute armed response. What do you do if you have 3 rateros in your house at night with guns? What else can I purchase? Pepper spray? Tazer? Baseball bat?

Any ideas anyone?

Chris UK

# Chris UK says :
6 February, 2008 [ 10:16 ]

Forgot to mention,
                        I'm friends with a gentleman who is Peruvian, who owns a Botica in Lima. He carrys a .38 revolver on him at all times he also has a permit to carry this and he isn't ex-police or military.

Chris UK

# David Losh says :
26 April, 2008 [ 14:25 ]

I'm also here for the same information.

I also agree the press would have a field day with American shoots local.

However I have tried various deterents. Pepper spray does not work, the last time I went I carried a panther 100,000 volt hand held electric shock taser system, the robando grabbed hold of me. 

You can carry a base ball bat. That seems to be effective for some people. You can carry a cane, or conceal a knife. The problem is that robandos work in teams. 

I agree that no matter the risk a fire arm is the best defense. 

If you stay in Lima that's one thing. If you travel outside normal tourist routes it gets dangerous to be white.  

# Chris UK says :
26 April, 2008 [ 14:38 ]

David,
        Thank you

# Chris UK says :
26 April, 2008 [ 14:38 ]

David,
        Thank you for the

# Chris UK says :
26 April, 2008 [ 14:40 ]

Ok that was wierd, computer went crazy.

Thank you for the reply David, so... does anyone know if firearms can be carried by foriegners in Peru?

-Chris UK

# Hans USA says :
12 May, 2008 [ 09:26 ]

  Hey guys-  Questions is it ok to carry a "stun gun", specifically the Taser C2, while on vacation in Peru.. ?  I'm a "white guy" and if they work in teams, i'd tase one and leave it there as I'm running..LOL.. but I'd rather do that then become some statistic of "some dead white guy" found in alley....  They look just like an electric razor, so I'd just put it in my loaded luggage with my other bathroom stuff.
Hans

# jb says :
12 May, 2008 [ 09:46 ]

Chris UK: A .38 cal is not considered a weapon of war.  .45 cal, 9mm etc are.

# Mick says :
21 May, 2008 [ 18:13 ]

Like the rest of you. I am another gringo in Lima. From my understanding you can get a gun permit after living in Peru for one year (Citizenship). Watch were you go and keep your gaurd up. I have carried a gun for most of my life. Not here though, not yet. Rateros are problematic best thing to do is be smart.
Mick

# jb says :
21 May, 2008 [ 18:25 ]

To become a naturalized Peruvian citizen, it takes 2 years to of legal residency to apply to become a citizen - if you are married to a Peruvian.  The process once the paperwork is in takes about 8-10 months.  If you are not married to a citizen, you must renounce your prior citizenship - with a representative of the Peruvian government - at the US Embassy.  Fat chance of that happening as you need a visa to get into a closet with a Peruvian passport.
Not sure how the gun permit and the residency/citizenship are linked.  

# Mick says :
21 May, 2008 [ 18:42 ]

I believe you jb. I only go by what I have been told 1-year. My wife is peruvian. You would think with my prior military and law enforcement  careers would help. Mainly, I would like a gun for traveling in peru. Not a law breaker anywhere, so I will wait.

# Chris UK says :
21 May, 2008 [ 18:46 ]

Well after 2 years of living here in Lima, I've never had any problems. Which is probably don't to my hard-man gaze I use in the street, it could turn you to stone.! Lol.

Seriously, after a lot of thought I think if I had a gun I'd put peoples lives at danger, namely my 1 year old son. It's best to just stay vigilant I think, don't expose yourself unnessicarily or flash your property about.
Saying that, you can have nice things without fear, like I drive a red 2005 ford mustang GT to work everyday, it catches a lot of attention as it's really loud, but I have private parking at work and at home, my car is also insured. I don't worry about it.

People in Peru steal out of necessity where as the US, UK and Europe it's a yob culture, where people will kick your head because you happen to walk down their street. Use this knowledge to your advantage.

Enjoy what the peruvian culture and lifestyle has to offer, but apply your common sense principals you have learned from your own native cultures, and you won't make the same mistakes a lot of the locals do.

-Chris. 

# Philip Johnson says :
21 May, 2008 [ 19:20 ]

WELL GUYS, Esteban must have gotten himself a Job in New York City as a comedian because we have not heard back from him...lol....maybe he was riding in a Cab in Lima on a return trip, and ended up in a wreck? Anyway, if he would visit our Hick states of Georgia or South Carolina we could show him how to live! Maybe he will meet this old man in Lima one day soon and I can shake his hand...lol.

                                   Philip 

# jb says :
21 May, 2008 [ 20:41 ]

I have lived in Lima for 9 years (gringo) and have traveled in all of Latin America extensively and never have had a problem or a need for a gun.  In my opinion, you don't need one.

# jb says :
21 May, 2008 [ 20:52 ]

Let me amend my earlier statement....you don't need one unless you like to get "off the beaten path" or purposely put yourself in harm's way.

# David Losh says :
22 May, 2008 [ 08:42 ]

If you live in Lima maybe you can help us.
Everything is off the beaten path or in harms way in Peru. Every archaeological site I visit is in the middle of no where. This year my wife and I will be going to Cajamarca and Piura.
It's not going to stop. Many Americans would like to visit and live in Peru, but telling me to stay where people can see me is the whole point. You know then that Peru is dangerous for me. 
To answer the above question about a taser. I did carry one on a previous visit, used it, and the rebando knew enough to grab a hold of me. The electric shock flows into the user.  

# Hans says :
22 May, 2008 [ 11:57 ]

     David-  Well, you answered my question, kinda.  I am a bounty hunter here in the US.  I'm pretty good at spotting the "look" of a person "casing" me.  I'm 1.79 m and almost 100 kilos- so not small.  I understand the whole idea of "staying out of the places that are NOT good areas". Problem we nuevo gringos have is that 1st - We don't know who we're talking to when we ask someone where not to go(could they be setting me up?) 2nd Sometimes things happen and you just get put into a bad situation, so its better to have something and NOT need it, then to NEED something and NOT have it.  
       As far as the C2 Taser- it is a small hand unit that uses CO2 gas to shoot two small probes with microwire up to 15 feet away, using a laser to pinpoint center of their body. and after it starts tasing them, you can set unit on ground and it will continue to tase them for 30 seconds .... so you can get away. If you get a police report of attack Taser international will replace unit for free.  The more the spread between the probes the greater the attack in his electrical system- EMP - Electromagnetic Pulse.  The smaller the spread the more pain he will feel.  bigger spread means an attack on his electrical system and he falls on the ground.  Spark will jump thru 1 inch/1.75cm of clothing per probe.  Trained Marines or VERY determined persons CAN fight thru pain of Stun units.  NO ONE can fight an EMP.
    Your account of what happened to you does not make sense. The "stun gun" type hand unit that you references are a pain unit.  and it causes GREAT pain within the electrical area between the two probes. Since units are powered by 9 volts or less it will not travel from person to person. UNLESS your body falls between the probes you won't "feel" it.. if both of you were wet and had some skin to skin contact you MIGHT feel a tingle if you stunned his forearm and your contact with him was within a few inches of his contact with the Stun unit .. but NOTHING like the person that has a portion of his body between the probes. 
Hans
PS sorry for long stupid post, I was kinda doing this and eating so it got wordy!  JAJA

# Anonymous Dave says :
22 May, 2008 [ 16:42 ]

David Losh was lying, clearly looking for an excuse to go shoot some people who look at him funny.

# Anonymous Dave 2 says :
22 May, 2008 [ 16:51 ]

"I'm pretty good at spotting the "look" of a person "casing" me.  I'm 1.79 and almost 100 kilos"

The majority of Peruvians are so short, perhaps they just look at you cuz you're so bit compared to them?

"Carajo! Ahi viene el terremoto-man! Arranca..! "

# Anonymous Dave 3 says :
22 May, 2008 [ 17:01 ]

Peruvians aren't short, they are "height-challenged".

# Anonymous Dave 3 says :
22 May, 2008 [ 17:05 ]

Too much starchy and high carb food, makes you short.!

# CapitanDan says :
22 May, 2008 [ 18:24 ]

Friends, If you use your head and be sensible you will be fine. Peru is not unlike any other country. It has it's Ghetto's , Barrio's etc. My Friends , If you are white or Latino I know several neighborhoods in Detroit, Philadelphia, Los Angeles etc. where you wouldn't be safe after dark. Also if you are black ,several areas in Kentucky, Texas, Los Angeles etc. where you would be at risk. It's sad but true. It also helps in being big. The bigger the better. I often jog through Callao and Ancon without problems to see friends, but the people know me. In the animal kingdom, animals stand as erect as possible to frighten off possible predators. The same in the big cities. As for eating too much starchy high carb food . My family always ate potato's and it didn't stunt any of my family. My sister the baby is the smallest and she is just over 6 feet. In my opinion if you walk with fear and look like prey there are predators out there no matter where you are.

# Mick says :
22 May, 2008 [ 18:42 ]

True, look like you have a purpose and most times you will be fine. I do not like violence and it should be avoided. Two thugs tried to rob me when I first came to Lima. My fault for having a big wallet sticking out of my pocket (Not,thinking.). Everything came out fine, I learned. Still though, love to have my gun.
Mick 

# David Losh says :
23 May, 2008 [ 10:24 ]

yes hans, he grabbed me around the neck, like we were buddies, skin to skin, sweat to sweat, but the point is that he did have presence of mind.
the taser is an offensive weapon for neutralizing, bulky, hard to conceal, and good for one shot.
in terms of danger london and paris are two of the worst cities in the world. who ever has a knife or club rules the streets. i'd rather be armed in detroit than unarmed in london. 
now about this site, let's give this one more try. not too many people approach me where ever i am. i'll be spending more time in peru. i have family and business there.
if you live in peru you know every one is on edge, watching for rebandos, and looking out for thier stuff. a gun is a simple deterrent. it's a tool, nothing more.
if you have information, or if you can direct me to a resource that would be great. opening a business for a security company, or body guards is not out of the question. 
our next trip will be the last reconnaissance we do, after that we'll be looking to establish ourselves or business interests.
 

# Hans says :
24 May, 2008 [ 11:36 ]

Dave-  I've had people grab me thinking the same thing while i'm trying to arrest them.  And actually I did feel a slight tingle like a nine volt battery, but the action of them holding me made it easier to "light them up"... with the "stun gun".   And actually the "new" C2 is very small, around the size of an electric razor.  you can go to taser international for the website and see the newest one avail.  It's pretty trick! and has a back up of being able to be used as a Stun gun after the probes have been released. 
    I might be looking to move down there, so if you need help with the "body guards" look me up. ;-)
 Hans

# ben says :
6 June, 2008 [ 00:50 ]

Apart from the extremely naive comments of a few (communist) liberals that have a fear of guns... this page has been very informative and helpful as I am also married to a Peruvian and watd to know what my (self defense) options were for when I finally travel to Lima.

What "Gerald" entered on this site on Feb 3rd, 2008... is exactly right. I cold not have said i better myself. It has proven to be true time and time again and yet there always arises a celebrity-led movement to ban guns from law-abiding citizens.

Anyways, thanks for the information guys...

# Chris UK says :
6 June, 2008 [ 05:28 ]

Hi Ben,
          I would say your best self defence options are your own vigilance and wits. Lima isn't more dangerous than any other big city, take London for example, this year alone there has been 16 knife related murders within youths under 16 years old. I've never heard of that before in Lima, London is supposed to have one of the best educated societies in the world.

The only time people are unfortunate to be robbed is when they walk around with their wallets in their back pockets and a whopping Nikon camera around their neck. People quickly forget their vigilance from their home counties when they visit/live abroad, this combined with a thief’s opportunist attitude results in people being robbed.

Also in one of my previous posts I mention cultures of violence, this doesn't really apply to Peru like it does in the USA or UK. If someone wants to rob you, it's because they want your valuables, it's not because they want to stamp on your head and hospitalize you because you happen to walk down their street at the wrong time.

So bear these facts in mind when you weigh up the decision to arm yourself.

Chris UK

# Philip Johnson says :
6 June, 2008 [ 14:44 ]

Hello again Guys,

Lets change the subject for a minute, and let me ask any of you, if you have married a Peruvian lady and tried to bring her back to the states? She wants to come here and become a citizen, and then we will both move back to Lima, she now lives in Iquitos but most her her friends are in Lima, the Miraflores area. We married back on October 22nd 2007. We talk on the internet and on the phone every night. I am hoping in 2 more months she will be here.

                                                                  Philip

# John James says :
6 June, 2008 [ 14:55 ]

Hi guys,

I too suggest we change the subject for a minute. Let me ask you guys, do you believe in life outside this world? The reason I ask is that the universe is so huge that surely there is at least one planet in these countless billions of billions of billions that can support it. I am hoping someone can share their views.

# Alexandra says :
6 June, 2008 [ 14:58 ]

Hi,

Just to change the subject for a moment, don't you wish communists like Barack Obama would go back to Arabia to live and leave God's country... AMERICA... alone. Why don't we change the constitution to allow good men like George Bush to continue to protect us from the countless terrorist threats as Commander in Cheif?

# Victor says :
6 June, 2008 [ 15:04 ]

Hi Alexandra, I really hope you're being sarcastic ...., Take care

# Chris UK says :
6 June, 2008 [ 15:15 ]

Alexandra,
             I always thought gods

# Chris UK says :
6 June, 2008 [ 15:19 ]

OK THAT WAS WIERD, internet explorer just took a fit.

Alexandra,
             I always thought gods country was Isreal? LOL, I hope you're joking too, if not, how ignorant you really are. . . . .

# Malthus says :
6 June, 2008 [ 15:19 ]

Here's the website of the Peruvian agency that deals with firearms permits and such.

http://www.dicscamec.gob.pe

If I'm reading things correctly, it looks fairly simple for a legal resident to have and carry a firearm, but I'm sure that it's more difficult than it looks.

# Malthus says :
6 June, 2008 [ 15:29 ]

Forgot to mention, the "Texto Unico de Procedimientos Administrativos" halfway down on the left side is what you'd want to look at.