29 May 2002

More police guns surrendered in Solomon Islands

6:53 pm on 29 May 2002

Dozens more high powered guns, held illegally by some police, have been surrendered to authorities in Solomon Islands.

It follows the surrender by police of around 70 weapons, most of them high powered, on Friday last week, and comes ahead of the end of a gun amnesty tomorrow evening (fri).

Several hundred guns remain in the community, with a large proportion held by police, but they are expected to hand in more weapons today and tomorrow.

Paul Tovua, the Chairman of the Peace Monitoring Council, says the pressure

is building towards the end of the amnesty.

"PLAY AUDIO:SOLS PRESSURE"

IN:......I say pressure

OUT:...weapons

DUR:...20

Paul Tovua

He says the PMC has begun issuing certificates verifying that people have handed in their guns.

These documents mean the holder will not face gun offences from June 1st.