Sat | May 4, 2024

Police in St Vincent urge illegal gun holders to surrender them to the authorities

Published:Tuesday | January 2, 2024 | 8:50 AM
A police photo of guns handed over to law enforcement authorities in St Vincent. - Contributed photo.

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has thanked citizens who have chosen to hand over illegal weapons even before a national amnesty is announced.

“The RSVGPF encourages others who possess illegal firearms to hand them over immediately. You will not be prosecuted,” the police said in a statement.

The authorities said two people handed over four firearms and 40 rounds of ammunition.

They said the firearms surrendered are a Glock 22-C pistol, a Glock 33 pistol, a.38 revolver and a 12-gauge shotgun

The ammunition was made up of 30 rounds of .9mm, seven rounds of .40mm, three round of .38mm and two magazines.

The police reminded citizens that the maximum penalty for possessing an illegal firearm and ammunition is seven years' imprisonment or a fine of EC$20,000 or both in the magistrate's court.

“Be further advised that this penalty may be increased by an Act of Parliament later in 2024.

“Play your part in reducing crime and violence in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Together, we can make SVG safer and more peaceful,” the police statement added.

Police said that there were 54 confirmed homicides in 2023.

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