Panama Forum

panamajames
Joined 2012
Posts: 5096

8 years ago

Fire Arms in Chiriqui Province

8 years ago

If you have been wondering what Elvis has been doing lately, hand guns and shotguns (not rifles) can be purchased from Elvis at the Delta gas station in David. Take the airport road (old McDonald’s road) to the end (jail) and turn left. About 3 blocks on your right will be the Delta station. Elvis’ office is behind a glass door to the right of the office for the Delta Station. Elvis can arrange for your permit. Below is the list of what you will need.

The following list is provided by the Detective Bureau in David (located on the right side of the Super Baru Road, past the Stadium and across from EP Furniture Store)………….

• If you are renewing a permit, bring a color copy of both sides of it. • A letter from a Psychologist or Psychiatrist attesting to your mental capacity to own a fire arm. Either Chiriqui or Mae Lewis Hospitals.

• Anti-doping urinalysis report from BioMedic for Marijuana and Cocaine.

• Letter of completion of 6 hour shooting range class at Police Range (you will not need 6 hours...just go with your gun and demonstrate you can use it). Located on the highway to the airport, across from the Coca Cola bottling plant (see photo below).

* Receipt of Deposit $100 (handgun) or $50 (shotgun) in BNP Account #
010000168834 – Ministerio de Seguridad Publica – DIASP – Fondo Tasa por Servcios.

• 3 carnet size (not US passport size) photos. Obtain these in Boquete across from Mascotas store or behind Restaurante Baru, or in David at Arrocha Farmacia second floor.

• 2 copies of your Cedula and Passport

Expect the permit to take 3 months. In the meantime, you will receive a document confirming your request, to use as a temporary permit. Permits are good for 4 years (handgun) or 10 years (shotgun).

As Panama deals with rising crimes rates, increased gang activity, and forged gun permits, the government is about to lift the ban of imported firearms. The Public Safety Minister Rudolfo Aguilera said this is an effort to increase personal safety, and that more firearms will mean less crime.
“We will follow in the footsteps of the United States and Switzerland, where the right to bear arms is believed to lead to fewer homicides. Everything seems to indicate that there is no direct correlation in the aphorism that says more guns mean more crime,” said Aguilera, who explained that relaxed gun laws have helped the United States to reduce the homicide rate over the last 20 years. He added that the new regulations will include criminal and psychological background checks for future gun owners. “I have concluded that it is necessary and appropriate for the country to allow imports of weapons again,” said Aguilera in an interview with NexTV News.
His decision was made based on foreign statistics showing that with a greater number of legal firearms possession, there is less crime recorded. Aguilera also said that this leaves the job of the personal security in the hands of civilians, politicians, lawyers, and security experts,
The current law has been in effect since 2012 and states that only state security forces can import firearms. Easing this restriction would enable licensed vendors to import firearms and accessories.
The Central American Integration System (SICA) has called for a comprehensive review of Panama’s firearm-import program before any official action can be taken by the National Assembly.
“It’s a decision for each sovereign government to make, but we should take into account that for criminals, anything that is prohibited, becomes more attractive,” said Hefer Morataya, director of SICA’s Central American Program of Small Arms Control.
However, not everyone agrees that more guns will benefits Panama. Teresita de Arias, former congresswoman and leader of the People’s Party said that lifting the ban on gun imports could backfire on the Panamanian people.
“The issue of security will not be solved because every citizen has a weapon to defend themselves.” She believes that Aguilera’s comment about the U. S. homicide rates differ from reality, adding that the United States itself struggles with the issue of gun control. She added that this action could lead to situations where a simple fight in the street could result in both parties taking out a gun. There is also the threat of increased theft of firearms, which will only serve to put more guns in the hands of criminals.
According to the Ministry of Security, in the first three months of 2015, Panama registered 165 homicides, 70% of which were committed with a firearm.
“There is no registry of the firearms that come in, much less, exact data of how many there are,” said Security Vice-Minister Rogelio Donadio. “Illegal weapons trafficking does not generate as much profit as drugs, but it does threaten citizen security.”
Rolando Mirones, former director of the National Police, stated that resuming the importation of firearms will do nothing to solve the problem of security in the country. The main problem facing the government right now on the issue of security is not solved by allowing importation but to implement measures for more effective crime prevention techniques.
In 2012, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that there was an average of 700,000 illegal firearms circulating through Panama’s streets.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.