Police in Samoa have destroyed around 80 guns on the first day of a two month gun amnesty.
The Police Commissioner Egon Keil and Acting Prime Prime Minister Lautafi Selafi Fio Purcell at the launching of the gun amnesty in Samoa Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
It comes after police recently found quantities of illegal weapons.
Speaking at the launch the acting prime minister, Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell, also called for those in possession of explosives to hand them in.
He says the Ministry of Police may also hold seminars for gun owners on gun safety and the law.
The Police Commissioner, Egon Keil, says it is the third time Samoa has staged an amnesty - the last one being nine years ago.
"And back then nothing was really documented. This time it is going to be a little bit different. This is to ensure the safety of Samoa. That is why we are doing this thing. We strongly believe that this programme, not only minimises gun incidents but it also saves lives."
The amnesty is funded by the Australian Federal Police.
