Sooke RCMP are declaring a provincial gun amnesty campaign a success after the month-long program saw 10 guns turned over to police for safe disposal.
The province holds a gun amnesty about every two years
Residents are encouraged to arrange for the pick-up of any documented or undocumented firearms and other weapons, ammunition, including restricted and prohibited firearms.
“For a lot of people, it gives them peace of mind not having a firearm around to worry about, and it keeps them from getting into the wrong hands,” said Sooke RCMP Staff Sgt. Jeff McArthur, adding most guns turned over were legal.
Some of the donated weapons were prohibited, such as a sawed-off shotgun. A set of brass knuckles was also surrendered.
The goal of the amnesty program is to ensure the safe disposal of unwanted weapons that could otherwise land in the hands of criminals or youth, potentially leading to tragic consequences.