Illegal firearms

Illegal firearms in Samoa still causing concern, despite amnesty

A 100 tala ($US38) food voucher was given out for each illegal gun handed in to police, with the amnesty costing $US6100.

Close to 200 illegal firearms were handed in, ranging from pistols to 'big bore' rifles, the Samoa Observer reported.

But the campaign hasn't stemmed the number of illegal firearms surfacing in the country. Recent drug raids seized illegal firearms and ammunition as well as drugs and cash.

New Minister of Police Faualo Harry Schuster said he could be compelled to introduce another amnesty, theObserver said.

Nine people arrested with drugs and illegal firearms in their possession

This was after the Samoa Police Force conducted raids at Vaitele-fou and Lolovaea.

The police have seized naroctics (methamphetamine and marijuana), illegal firearms as well as various expensive electronics, jewelries and cash totalling to $23,300 tala and AUD$20.

Samoa Police said the electronics and jewelries are believe to be used to trade for narcotics.