Members of the public have turned in more than 40 firearms and close to 300 unlawful ammunition during the gun amnesty initiative that has been extended for another two weeks. 

The incentive spearheaded by the Ministry of Police Prisons and Correction Services to reduce illegal firearms and ammunition in the community began on 1 August and was to conclude on 30 September. 

However, the gun amnesty has been extended for two weeks until 12 October a week before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to ramp up security and safety. 

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed the firearms surrendered were mainly pistols and rifles commonly used to hunt pigs. This is on top of more than 200 ammunitions surrendered to the police. 

In return for the weapons and ammunition, members of the public receive a $100 voucher and assurance of no prosecution or any questions asked. 

So far, the police have given away more than $5000 worth of vouchers for the exchange, said Auapaau.  

“It's good to see a lot of pistols turned in because these are concealed weapons and much harder to find,” he said. 

“All these weapons are manufactured overseas so they are most likely slipping through the borders. This is also great for CHOGM preparations, which ensures the safety and security of the leaders attending the meeting.”   

Gun amnesties over the past seven years resulted in 596 firearms and 725 pieces of ammunition being surrendered.

"The intention is for individuals in possession of unlawful firearms and ammunitions to surrender them without prosecution during the amnesty period," Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said during the Gun Amnesty 2024 launch.

"As Samoa sets to hold the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2024, as the incoming Chair, the safety and security of all world leaders attending CHOGM is critical."