Gun Amnesty offers $100 vouchers for illegal guns

Author: Raj Keresoma

Apia, Samoa – August 2, 2024 – The gun amnesty, which runs from August 1 to September 31, 2024, will provide $100 vouchers and no penalty for any illegal weapons turned in to police.

Police Chief Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the idea of ​​using vouchers is to entice those who illegally possess guns to hand them over.

It also encourages people who have unlicensed firearms to turn them in for registration, according to Auapaau.

“Once they turn in their firearm, they get a coupon and they can go to Frankies or Farmer Joe’s and use that coupon,” Auapaau said.

During the amnesty period, anyone who surrenders an unlicensed firearm will not be punished.

The guns used in the recent double murder in Fasitu’uta were legal in Samoa but were not registered or licensed.

The commissioner said most of the guns and ammunition seized by police during drug raids were illegal, such as handguns, which are banned in Samoa.

The 2024 gun amnesty scheme was officially launched by Prime Minister and Acting Police Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa.

“This initiative follows on from the successful gun amnesty we have had over the past seven years, with the 2024 gun amnesty set to begin on January 1.^{English Stone} August to 30^day September 2024,” Fiame said.

She said the move was to ensure Samoa’s safety.

“As Samoa will be hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2024, as the incoming Chair, the safety of all world leaders attending the CHOGM is of paramount importance, therefore, I am very proud of the Police Department for taking this step and implementing the amnesty as part of overall security preparations,” Fiame said.

Samoa Police’s previous gun amnesty records show:

• From 2015 to 2016, a total of 317 guns and 231 rounds of ammunition were confiscated from the public.
• In 2018, a total of 81 guns were confiscated.
• From 2020 to 2021, a total of 198 guns and 494 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.
• A total of 596 guns and 725 rounds of ammunition were seized.

She said statistics also show that from 1^{English Stone} Between January 2023 and June 30, 2024, police recorded 16 incidents involving firearms.

Fiame referred to the recent tragic death of a police officer from the Samoa Police Force due to gunshot wounds.

“This demonstrates the importance of ensuring our communities, our country and our people live in a safe environment, therefore, I urge the public to support our government through the Samoa Police through the 2024 Firearms Amnesty,” she said.

She thanked the Australian Government for its continued support for the initiative through the Samoa Australia Police Partnership.

Illegal guns on display at the amnesty launch ceremony.