Mexico launches disarmament program to drop off firearms for payment

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday officially launched a campaign to crack down on the number of weapons on the country's violence-wracked streets.

The plan, called "Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace," will offer cash to those who anonymously leave weapons at designated drop-off locations, including churches.

The firearms are then to be destroyed. The disarmament plan is part of the government's "integral strategy" for fighting crime.

Children attending the event with their parents were able to trade in toy guns for other toys.

The scheme, first floated last month, was published in the country's official government gazette earlier this week.

It has existed in Mexico City since 2019, but now will apply nationwide, and be carried out by the defense, interior and public safety ministries, with support from Mexican religious authorities.