The Mexican government has extended by a week its disarmament program in the state of Chiapas. The scheme – which involves swapping guns for computers, electronic gadgets, or cash – has proven popular with locals.
The arms swap campaign has been running since 2011 and has seen around 10,000 rifles, grenades, pistols, and cartridges traded in.
In exchange for their firearms, Mexicans can receive iPads, laptops, other computer equipment, TV sets, wheelchairs, or cash.
“It’s better to have this laptop than what I just handed over, that is useless and this I can use,” Martha Velasquez told RT’s video agency Ruptly.
“I had those cartridges that could only do harm, while now I exchange them and get something beneficial to my family,” said Victor Cordoba.
Attorney General Raciel Lopez Salazar said that Arms Swap 2014 will be extended by a week and will now end on Sunday November 9.
Officials are keen for all Mexican citizens to become involved as they attempt to change Mexico’s gun ownership culture.
“Undoubtedly the strategy has been instigated by Governor Manuel Velasco Coello, and it is made possible by the number of people who are participating in it,” said Salazar.
Mexican authorities have also introduced a number of other measures which are hoped to increase security, such as future joint operations with the army and federal and local police forces.
The Mexican government has also announced that it fully supports the work of President Enrique Peña Nieto in his bid to make Mexico a more peaceful country.