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]