A total of 34 illegal guns have been handed over to police so far under the gun amnesty programme, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said yesterday while adding that more than half are from `F’ Division (interior locations).
Giving Stabroek News an update, he revealed as of yesterday, 21 weapons had been handed over in `F’ Division, 12 in `A’ Division, one each in `C’ (East Coast), `D’ (West Demerara) and `E’ (Linden and surrounding areas) divisions. For last week alone, 11 guns were handed in at various locations in `F’ Division.
Giving a breakdown of the types of weapons handed in, he said police have 23 shotguns, six pistols, six rifles and one revolver. Additionally 1,502 rounds of ammunition of various calibre were handed in.
The amnesty began on September 1 and ends on September 30.
In June, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan had announced government’s intention to introduce the programme aimed at reducing the number of illegal guns on the streets, in the wake of an increase in gun-related crimes.
Both Ramjattan and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo have urged members of the public to make use of the amnesty as at the end of this period persons found in possession of illegal arms and ammunition will face the full brunt of the law.
