Modified weapons and gang wars: this is how criminal violence changed in Uruguay

During the first half of the year, Uruguay registered 195 murders, representing a 6.6% increase compared to previous periods. A defining characteristic of this surge in violent crime is the growing prevalence of modified firearms designed to deliver greater firepower amid escalating turf wars between criminal gangs.

The evolution of criminal violence in the country highlights a significant shift in the operational capacity of local gangs, driven by the increased use of enhanced weaponry. This trend underscores mounting security challenges as law enforcement confronts the proliferation of upgraded firearms tied to the rising homicide rates.