Florida, Georgia Hubs Fuel Caribbean Arms
A Small Arms Survey analysis found that 70% of U.S.-traceable firearms seized in six Caribbean countries between 2015 and 2024 originated in Florida and Georgia, with nearly one-third traced to dealers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Researchers say improving customs detection and regional law-enforcement capacity is essential, warning that military strikes on suspected drug boats are unlikely to curb weapons trafficking.
A new analysis by the independent Small Arms Survey has identified U.S. states — notably Florida and Georgia — as major sources and transit hubs for firearms recovered in the Caribbean, raising concerns for territories across the region including the British Virgin Islands. The study examined firearm trace data from six countries — the Bahamas, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago — and found that between 2015 and 2024 roughly seven in 10 weapons successfully traced to the United States originated in Florida and Georgia.
Some 30 percent of all U.S.-traced firearms in those countries were purchased from dealers in two Florida counties: Miami-Dade and Broward. Customs seizure data reviewed by the report showed that 78 percent of illegal arms shipments destined for the Caribbean were detected in ports around Tampa and Miami, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has previously identified the Bahamas and Haiti among the largest markets for illegal U.S. firearms, and noted challenges in obtaining trace data from Haiti since 2021 because of growing gang control. Matt Schroeder, a senior researcher at the Small Arms Survey, told reporters that limited and uneven data make it difficult to assess trends accurately and called for more research. "Any effective campaign against drug trafficking and organised crime has to look at the trafficking of weapons," he said, adding that efforts should focus on improving the capacity of law enforcement to detect contraband in international shipments rather than relying solely on military-style strikes.
The findings have wider policy implications. The Trump administration has pursued hardline measures against cartels and authorised strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels; researchers caution such tactics are unlikely to have a major effect on the flow of weapons and may divert resources from customs and law-enforcement operations vital to interdiction.
For the BVI, the report underscores vulnerabilities common to small island jurisdictions: porous maritime borders, limited inspection capacity at ports, and dependence on regional intelligence-sharing. Strengthening port screening, investing in forensic tracing and data-sharing with regional partners and U.S. agencies, and targeted training for customs and police are among recommended steps to reduce the risk of firearms entering local criminal markets.
Schroeder and others urge coordinated regional action and better information to inform policy. Without improved detection and enforcement capacity at points of export and transit, experts warn the flow of illegal arms to the Caribbean is likely to continue.
Primary source: VINO