Convergent Crimes

Firearm trafficking and illegal possession refer to the illicit trade, distribution, and ownership of firearms, ammunition, and related components in violation of national or international laws. In the Caribbean, illegal firearms often enter through transnational smuggling routes and fuel a wide range of criminal activity, including gang violence, drug trafficking, and wildlife crime. These weapons are increasingly linked to wildlife trafficking, where they are used to poach protected species, intimidate enforcement officers, and secure control over illicit trade routes and markets.

The widespread availability and use of illegal firearms significantly complicate wildlife enforcement by increasing the risks faced by rangers, customs officials, and community monitors. It undermines the rule of law and contributes to a climate of violence and fear that restricts conservation action and weakens governance. The use of firearms in poaching also inflicts unnecessary suffering on wildlife and contributes to biodiversity loss through indiscriminate, high-impact hunting practices. The resulting insecurity negatively affects human well-being, especially in rural or forest-edge communities where enforcement presence is limited.

While the role of firearm trafficking in enabling wildlife crime is gaining attention, more targeted research and cross-sector collaboration are needed to address the security dimensions of biodiversity protection. Strengthening border controls, intelligence sharing, and community resilience will be key to reducing firearm-related threats to both people and wildlife across the region.