The police say 1,604 assorted cartridges were turned in to Jamaica’s Half-Way Tree Police Station in St Andrew on Saturday, under the gun amnesty.
The amnesty, which was enacted under the Firearms Act, began on November 5, and ends November 19.
Senior Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, head of the St Andrew Central Police Division commended the gesture.
“This amnesty is a grand opportunity for well-thinking citizens to utilize in ridding various areas of illegal firearms and ammunition. These persons can also positively influence others to do the legal and morally correct thing, so I thank them for that,” Nesbeth said.
Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang announced that the amnesty will allow persons in possession of illegal or unregistered firearms and ammunition to surrender the weapons without fear of prosecution.
Under the amnesty, illegal guns may be surrendered to a sub-officer or senior sub-officer on duty at any police station; any designated officer at an FLA location; or an attorney-at-law or pastor on behalf of an individual requesting amnesty.
Chang also warned that once the amnesty expires, the full force of the law will be applied to anyone found in possession of an illegal firearm or ammunition.
