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National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore has announced that a total of four illegal firearms have been surrendered to the police following a \u2018Gun and Ammunition Amnesty\u2019 which came into effect from July 16 to August 15, 2025.<\/p>\n
This was done as a continuation of previous efforts, including those in 2007 and October 2023, to address the pressing issue of illegal firearms and related criminal activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a one-month period where people could have brought in their illegal firearms without fear of being prosecuted or charged,\u201d he told the media recently. \u201cThus far, based on the advice I have gotten from the Police Chief, four firearms have been returned.\u201d<\/p>\n
He continued, \u201cIt means, therefore, that they made [a] rational decision to keep their firearms.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Blackmoore, the firearm issue is being confronted very seriously.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are moving to have, in due time, our own forensic lab where we can start, firstly, with a system to be able to capture the ballistics of guns that are being used to commit crimes,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Additionally, he said two police officers will be sent to Trinidad for a period of two years to become scientists in the areas of forensics and will be able to testify before the court.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are moving forward with that,\u201d Blackmoore said.<\/p>\n
During the \u2018Gun and Ammunition Amnesty\u2019 the government encouraged individuals with illegal firearms or ammunition\u2014whether they are certain of their legal status or unsure\u2014to surrender these weapons without fear of prosecution, emphasizing that firearms can be handed in at any police station across the island or through trusted community figures if individuals were apprehensive about surrendering personally.<\/p>\n
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