The consignment of firearms and ammunition belonging to Leuatea James Schmidt that arrived last month has now been released.
Police Commissioner, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo in response to questions from Radio Polynesia, confirmed this.
Repeated efforts were made to get comments from Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio but were unsuccessful since the cargo was held by the Customs and Revenue.
Cabinet Minister, Laauli Leuatea Schmidt also confirmed with Radio Polynesia, his son’s cargo of weapons and live ammunition has been released.
Last month, Auapa’au said the consignment held by Customs has met all the requirements to be exported and sold in Samoa under the Arms Ordinance 1960.
“It went through the process and it’s here legally.
Radio Polynesia was able to confirm that Mr James Scmidt has been selling firearms in the country, legally along with several other firearms and ammunition sellers in Samoa.
The consignment in question, according to the Police Commissioner was granted a permit to import the firearms and ammunition as well as a license to sell those firearms in the Country by the Ministry of Police and Prisons.
“This consignment of firearms and ammunition belongs to a licensed dealer pursuant to section 3 of the Arms Ordinance 1960” and that an import permit for the subject cargo was granted under the same act.
The statement further states that this consignment is currently with the Ministry of Customs and Revenue office for its usual process.
