Two-hundred-forty-one guns were surrendered in this year’s province-wide amnesty program from the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police. Between March 21st and April 10th, residents were encouraged to surrender their unwanted firearms, replica firearms, and ammunition.

Saskatchewan RCMP Superintendent Honey Dwyer says, “Getting these firearms out of circulation is very useful. There are now 241 fewer opportunities for firearms to be stolen and used in crimes by criminals and gang members.” There are also 241 fewer opportunities for firearms to be used to inflict serious injuries or death. Over 14,000 rounds of ammunition were also surrendered.

Vice President of the SACP and Chief of the Saskatoon Police Service, Troy Cooper, describes this program as preventative. He doesn’t expect criminals will give up their guns and ammunition. It’s for those who have a firearm which isn’t being used.

Although the amnesty period has officially ended, those wishing to surrender a firearm are still encouraged to contact the police.