Citizen hands over 1,191 live rounds as gun amnesty begins

In a report, less than one hour after the period commenced on Tuesday, the police said a member of the public handed in some 1,191 live rounds. The ammunition was made up of 7.62 x 51 rounds and was handed in at around 09:41 hours at a police Station in Georgetown.

Citizen hands over 1,191 live rounds as gun amnesty begins

The government’s one month gun amnesty period kicks off today and already the Guyana Police Force is reporting the turning over of a sizable amount of illegal ammunition.

In a report, less than one hour after the period commenced on Tuesday, the police said a member of the public handed in some 1,191 live rounds. The ammunition was made up of 7.62 x 51 rounds and was handed in at around 09:41 hours at a police Station in Georgetown.

According to a public advisory published in the newspapers “all transactions in this amnesty period will be treated with strict confidentiality”.

Police stations throughout the country where firearms, ammunition or explosives could be handed in between 9 am and 4 pm have also been named. The stations in ‘A’ Division are the Timehri, Ruimveldt, East La Penitence, Brickdam and Alberttown police stations. In ‘B’ Division guns can be turned in at the Fort Wellington, Blairmont, Central, Albion, Whim, No.51, Springlands and Mibicuri police stations. In ‘C’ division, the police stations are: Sparendaam, Beterverwagting, Vigilance, Cove and John, Mahaica and Mahaicony.

The advisory warned that when the period ends persons found in possession of illegal weapons and ammunition will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws.

On Monday, former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee predicted failure for the government’s gun amnesty programme. But despite Rohee’s forecast the government said it remains steadfast and believes the programme will result in less illegal firearms and ammunition on the street and in turn will see a reduction in the high incidents of gun crimes.  (File photo)

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