Citizens Turn in Guns for Cash, 4 Found to Be Stolen

Albuquerque –

According to the Albuquerque Police Department, APD in partnership with community organizations collected 225 firearms during Saturday’s safe surrender gun buyback event.

The event was held at APD’s University Substation and it brought in a wide range of firearms including handguns, rifles, and assault-style weapons. During the event, four of the surrendered weapons were determined to be stolen and will be processed as evidence.

Nearing the conclusion of the event, APD said a community member donated $2,000 in cash, allowing the buyback event to continue after funds had already been exhausted.

Compensation Structure:

• $250.00 – Assault weapons
• $200.00 – Semi-automatic rifles and handguns
• $100.00 – Rifles and shotguns

The buyback was conducted in collaboration with New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, Albuquerque Community Safety, Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers and other local partners.

Participants were able to anonymously surrender unwanted firearms in exchange for cash incentives. All weapons will be dismantled, with many parts being repurposed through community-based programs.

APD and its partners have hosted multiple buyback events in recent years, removing thousands of firearms from circulation in the community to help promote safety and reduce gun violence.

We asked APD if any of the firearms will be tested for involvement in prior crimes before they are destroyed. We have not heard back from APD.