Customs blamed for allowing replica pistols into the country in breach of the Firearms and Ammunition (Amendment) Act 2000 (No. 2 of 2000)
THE finger of blame is pointing to the Customs Division for allegedly turning a blind eye on the importation of replica pistols into the country in contravention of the law.
The laxity on the part of authorities has open the floodgates for the prohibited items such as imitation pistols, toy-guns and other similar items to flood local shops in Honiara and other provincial capitals.
Solomon Star has obtained a copy of the Act, which “prohibits the manufacture, sale, carriage, possession and use of replica pistols or other imitation firearms and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”
It is unclear whether shop owners would be required to destroy the prohibited items.
National Parliament passed the Firearms and Ammunition (Amendment) Act 2000 (No. 2 of 2000) in 2000 at the height of what is popularly known as the Ethnic Tension. It became law on 18th January 2001, according to a copy of the Act obtained by Solomon Star.
Two new sections were added as Amendments 40A and 40B. They carry penalties of up to a $1, 000 fine or one year in jail or both.
Importers of such items into Solomon Islands also face the brunt of the law.
Section 40A (1) says that any person who goes armed with an imitation firearm without lawful excuse is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine of $200 or to six months in jail or both;
Section 40A (2) says any person who goes armed with an imitation firearm by word of mouth or conduct threatens another person in such manner as to cause fear to that other person is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine of $500 or a jail term of one year or both.
Section 40B (1) prohibits the “import, sale or display for sale any imitation firearm in any place in Solomon Islands”.
Section 40B(2) states, “No person shall manufacture for use or sale any imitation firearm”.
Section 40B(3) says, “Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) or (2) shall be guilty of an offence and (is) liable to a fine of $1, 000 or a jail term of one year or both.
The Act became law in Solomon Islands on 18th January 2001.
The new Act also provides the definition of imitation firearms. It said:
“Imitation firearm” means a replica of a pistol or other firearm which has the appearance of a firearm, but which may not be capable of discharging or being adapted for the discharge of any ammunition in the manner described in the definition of firearm and includes an air gun, air rifle, air pistol or toy-guns
By Alfred Sasako
