Samoa: Gun amnesty illustrates firearms still present in the community and smuggled through borders

In late November, Police Commissioner Aupaau Logoitino Filipo announced that 79 firearms and 3826 rounds of ammunition were handed in during the recent gun amnesty. 16 firearms were pistols, which are illegal to own in Samoa except for exceptional circumstances. The remaining weapons were noted as hunting rifles and all weapons are projected to be destroyed in December. $WST100 ($NZD62.4) food vouchers were given to those who handed in weapons or ammunition. 

Assessment: The amnesty began on 1 August 2024 and continued in the lead up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in October. Weapons cannot be manufactured in Samoa, so all illegal firearms have been smuggled into the country. Commissioner Filipo noted that less firearms had been handed in than previous amnesties. While firearms are rarely used in criminal activity in Samoa, it is almost certain that pistols and both registered and illegal long arms remain in the community.

Sources: Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong. "Gun Amnesty Extended." Samoa Observer, October 1, 2024; Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong. "79 Illegal Guns Netted in Amnesty." Samoa Observer, November 29, 2024; Ilalio, Marieta Heidi. "Weapon Use Concerns Court." Samoa Observer, November 15, 2024.​