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PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – Samoa Police have announced a comprehensive gun amnesty will be implemented from August 1 to September 30 to collect illegal firearms from circulation.
The initiative is being led by the Samoa Police Force following a successful operation in 2021 that removed 198 illegal firearms.
Deputy Police Commissioner Papali’i Monalisa Tiai-Keti, speaking on behalf of Police Minister Faualo Harry Schuster and Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo, stressed the importance of the upcoming amnesty.
“The minister has approved this amnesty and urged individuals in possession of unregistered or illegal weapons to surrender their weapons during the amnesty period without fear of prosecution,” Papali said.
During that time, individuals who voluntarily surrender their guns will not face charges but will instead be given the opportunity to register their weapons.
“After registration and verification of ownership, individuals will receive shopping vouchers as a thank-you gift from the ministry,” Papali stressed.
The coupons are for groceries only, with restrictions on tobacco and alcohol purchases.
The main objective of the amnesty is to rid Samoa of illegal weapons and ensure community safety, especially during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for October.
“The safety of our communities is of paramount importance,” Papali stressed. “We encourage citizens to fully cooperate in ensuring the success of this amnesty.”
Papalli clarified, however, that individuals found in possession of illegal firearms outside of the amnesty period could still face charges.
She warned: “If illegal weapons are discovered during routine policing operations, there will be legal consequences.”
The legal framework supporting this initiative is governed by Samoa’s Weapons Regulations 1960, which gives the Minister the power to declare amnesty periods and outlines the conditions under which firearms, ammunition, explosives and dangerous weapons can be surrendered without penalty.
Samoa’s gun amnesty is a positive step towards improving public safety and compliance with gun regulations.
The success of this initiative depends on community involvement and support. “We call on everyone to help us achieve a safer Samoa,” Papali concluded. “If we work together, we can ensure a safe environment for all,” he said.
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