Although some toy guns can be imported, those that make noises or eject objects are against the law.
Comptroller of Customs Owen Holder gave that reminder after he recently instructed his team to carry out an inspection of stores believed to have been carrying the items.
“Toy guns that make a noise and eject a projectile are prohibited and any toy gun at all that falls under that description is subject to seizure or confiscation.
“Recently, we had an issue and I was informed by someone from [ The Nation] and we did our investigations and we found that those guns were against the importation requirements and we subsequently seized them and took them off the shelf.
“I’ve also had discussion for my unit to do a walk through of businesses to see if there are any such guns in the area and they will be dealt with according to the law. But let’s be clear that the law permits that some toy guns can be imported,” Holder said.
He made those comments yesterday at Cube Blue, Prescod Boulevard, St Michael during a press conference to address unclaimed cargo at the Bridgetown Port.
Following a recent Nation
news article, the Customs and Excise Department removed the Glock and AK-47 toy guns from the shelves of a store in Wildey, St Michael. Only water pistols remained following that exercise.
Firearms division
Police from the firearms division also visited the store last Thursday and examined the items.
The toy gun debate was reignited late last year as gun violence continued to impact the country.
General Secretary of Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados Dennis De Peiza said the toy guns should be banned.
He suggested the imitation could be a gateway to children picking up real firearms.
(TG)
