China's Ministry of Public Security has set a 30-day deadline for the public to voluntarily turn in illegal firearms, explosives, toxic chemicals and knives, saying that anyone found keeping or selling these items will be punished.

Chinese law forbids civilians from keeping guns, ammunition, explosives and certain kinds of knives. Violations may incur sentences ranging from a minimum of three years to ten years in ordinary cases but life imprisonment and death penalty in serious cases.

"Submitting such materials to the police within 30 days (starting from July 20) will absolve the holders of punishment or reduce the punishment," according to a notice issued Monday by the ministry.

"Those who refuse to surrender to the police or turn in the illegal materials within the time limit will face severe punishment according to law," the notice said.

The ministry also encouraged the public to tip off the police about cases involving illegal production, sale and purchase, transportation and storage of explosives, guns and toxic chemicals, saying they would hand out rewards.

Chinese police have confiscated 12,350 tons of explosives and 502,000 guns in the past five years, which they say has led to a drop in the number of explosive and gun violence cases.

A similar notice was issued by the ministry in August last year, which led to 19,000 firearms and 145,000 knives being handed in by individuals in a single week.

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2007)