Gun, drug amnesty during special zones

The Government is to launch an amnesty for guns and drugs in communities designated as zones of special operation.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says persons in possession of guns, ammunition, drugs and other contraband will be allowed to hand them over without prosecution.

He says the amnesty will run between the first 24 and 48 hours of the declaration of a zone of special operation.

The justice minister also says the zones of special operations are critical to restoring law and order in communities.

According to Chuck, the security forces will ensure that the rights of residents are respected while they are taking back the communities.

Chuck notes that detainees will be brought before the court within 24 hours of being detained.

The justice minister says the Chief Justice has indicated that parish judges are prepared to make themselves available on Saturdays and Sundays to hear cases during periods of special zones.