In 2022, 974 firearms were destroyed, in 2023 this was 2,904 and last year no fewer than 6,591 weapons were destroyed. In April this year there was another extermination operation in which 745 weapons were liquidated.
“This year, 14 of the 19 West Flemish police zones called on the destruction operation to liquidate voluntarily surrendered firearms,” said provincial councilor Himpe.
“2024 was a record year because a large number of weapons that had been in local police zones for years were disposed of,” explains provincial councilor Kurt Himpe. Other provinces also used the procedure. The destruction always takes place under the supervision of the federal police.