Puerto Rico Police report 184 fewer crimes in 2026 and record seizures
Superintendent Joseph González presented figures showing reductions in homicides, thefts and sexual assaults, along with seizures of 66 firearms and 194 kilograms of cocaine.
Crime figures in Puerto Rico show downward trend so far in 2026
According to primerahora.com, the superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police, Joseph González, held a press conference in which he presented data showing reductions in various types of crimes recorded on the Island to date. González was accompanied by senior officers of the Police, including the associate superintendent, colonel Orlando Rivera Lebrón; the assistant superintendent for criminal investigations, colonel Manuel de Jesús Treskow; and the assistant superintendent for special operations, colonel Carlos Cruz Burgos.
The press conference was held in front of a table where part of the illegal weapons recently seized by the Police were displayed.
322 murders so far this year, three fewer than in 2025
González reported that the Island has registered 322 murders so far in 2026, three fewer than on the same date the previous year, and also below the comparable figures for 2024, 2023 and 2022.
"We know that every murder hurts. Behind every figure is a life, a family and an affected community. We do not minimise any act of violence, and we will not be satisfied while a family lives in fear or awaits justice. But I also want our people to know the complete picture. The Puerto Rico Police is active, it is present and it is fulfilling its mission," the superintendent said at the beginning of his presentation.
However, González emphasised that the reduction "is not cause for celebration", but "evidence that sustained work produces results" and that it is necessary to "continue pressing, investigating and removing from circulation those who represent a threat to our communities".
Drugs and revenge explain nearly three-quarters of homicides
The official explained that operational analysis has allowed identification of where to concentrate resources: 43% of murders are drug-related and 32% are related to revenge or grudges, which means that "almost three out of every four murders are linked to those two causes".
"That is why our strategy is not random. We are directing personnel, intelligence and investigations towards criminal organisations, drug points, illegal weapons and individuals who generate violence," González said.
Twelve murders solved between 1 and 20 September
During that period, Police investigators solved 12 murders, including one case of double homicide. The result was 8 arrests, three prosecutions and the arrest of an additional suspect in a case assumed by the FBI. The cases cover areas in Humacao, Carolina, Caguas, Ponce, Bayamón, Aguadilla, Fajardo, San Juan, Arecibo and Mayagüez, and include crimes that occurred between 2023 and 2026.
González spoke directly to family members of victims still awaiting answers: "Your cases are not forgotten. Our investigators will continue working every piece of evidence, every confidential tip, and every lead that could lead us to the truth".
More than 300 arrests in one week and bail totalling $9.6 million
During the week of 14 to 20 September, the Police made more than 300 arrests and interventions, filed 178 cases and secured bail totalling more than $9.6 million. The cumulative analysis as of 20 September also reflects 184 fewer crimes than for the same date in 2025.
Breaking down the figures, González detailed 192 fewer crimes against property, 224 fewer car thefts and 36 fewer cases of sexual assault by force. However, he acknowledged that aggravated assaults increased by 45 cases, and warned that "that increase requires attention and targeted action".
66 illegal firearms and 194 kilograms of cocaine seized
Agents seized 66 illegal firearms, including 41 pistols, 30 rifles, 4 revolvers and one shotgun, in addition to 3,757 rounds of ammunition and 132 magazines. With regard to controlled substances, González reported the seizure of 194 kilograms of cocaine, 550 pounds of marijuana, and additional quantities of crack, heroin and pills.
172 fatal accidents, 23 fewer than the previous year
The Traffic Patrol Division issued 14,806 citations last week and made 117 arrests, of which 100 were for driving under the influence of alcohol. Other interventions occurred for street racing and illegal use of all-terrain vehicles. So far this year there have been 172 fatal accidents, 23 fewer than on the same date in 2025.
"These results do not occur by chance. They are the product of a Police that works every day, throughout the Island, as one body, and with one mission: to protect our people," González said, thanking the personnel of the different divisions of the Police, the municipal police forces, federal agencies, the Department of Justice and other collaborating entities.
During the conference, Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo de Jesús was also presented as the new director of the Bureau of Drugs, Narcotics and Illegal Weapons.
Source: Google News PR — Crime