Crime in Suriname

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This article discusses crime in Suriname.

In 2012, Suriname had a murder rate of 6.1 per 100,000 population.^[1] There were a total of 33 murders in Suriname in 2012.^[1]

Suriname is a transit zone for South American cocaine en route to Europe, Africa and to a lesser extent the U.S.^[2] Inadequate resources, limited law enforcement training, the absence of a law enforcement presence in the interior, and lack of aircraft or sufficient numbers of patrol boats limit the capacity of the government to control its borders.^[2]

There have been sporadic instances of drug trade-related violence between individuals associated with competing drug trafficking organizations.^[2] These have included assassinations, drive-by shootings, and hand grenades tossed over residential walls.^[2]

Robbery, including thefts of backpacks and purses, pickpocketing,^[3] theft of jewelry (especially necklaces), and cell phones are regular occurrences.^[2] These incidents often occur in those areas frequented by foreigners.^[2] Tourist areas are common targets for thieves and muggers who often rob victims of their possessions during the hours of darkness.^[2] Residential burglaries are an issue.^[2][3]

There have been reports of tourists and foreigners being robbed while traveling in the countryside, and occasional reports of bandits on rural roads.^[2][3] There have been reports of attacks against fishing boats in and around the waters of Suriname.^[3]

While some areas of Paramaribo are safer than others, there are no areas that can be considered completely safe.^[2] Criminals move without restriction into and out of neighborhoods where expatriates live, often utilizing scooters or motorcycles to evade police.^[2] The Paramaribo Central area and the Palmentuin (Palm Garden) area are known to be less than safe after dark.^[2][3] Pick pocketing and robbery are increasingly common in the major business and shopping districts in Paramaribo.^[3][4]

There were a dozen murders of homeless men in Paramaribo between 2006 and 2014, with some of the killings appearing to be ritualistic.^[5]

Criminals often carry firearms and other weapons and do not hesitate to use them, especially if victims resist.^[2] Although the possession of handguns is illegal, many criminals possess them.^[2]

• Law enforcement in Suriname