Imports of weapons in Brazil reached nearly 80,000 pieces in July and August, the highest level in the last 25 years, according to figures from the Economy Ministry available to the local press.
In July, 40,303 revolvers and pistols were imported, compared with 39,389 in August, the Valor Economico newspaper reported Monday.
“This corresponds to more than 1,200 weapons of foreign manufacturers imported into Brazil in these two months,” the article said.
This increase is related to the policy of facilitating the sale and carrying of weapons, including weapons of war, for citizens who present their certificates for hunters, sport shooters, and collectors (CACs, after the Portuguese acronym).
Valor interviewed five specialists on the gun market and public safety issues.
Importers are “anticipating” purchases abroad out of “fear that imports will be closed” if Bolsonaro is not re-elected in the Oct. 2 elections, Valor wrote.
This preemptive market behavior reflects concerns about a possible victory by former President Luiz Inácio Lua da Silva, “who has been critical of the expansion of the proliferation of weapons in civilian possession,” the newspaper said.