which they recently allowed to pass through Airport Customs.

"We have information that people who have these replicas are trying to fraudulently sell them as real weapons -- firearms,'' Police spokesperson Sgt.

Roseanda Jones said.

"We are actively searching for them.'' The Royal Gazette further learned that two replica machine guns were also allowed by Police to clear Customs because they were to be used for decorating purposes.

Sgt. Jones explained a licence was not needed to bring into the Island toy guns or antique replica guns (minus the firing mechanisms).

Shadow Social Services Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome had claimed in Parliament this week that an antique replica gun had been used in commission of a recent armed robbery.

The MP, speaking during a debate over Government licence fees increases, made the claim in calling for more controls over the issuing of licences to people wanting to import firearms.

But Sgt. Jones denied his claims, saying, "The guns were not used in any armed robbery as far as we know.'' Collector of Customs Mr. Gerry Ardis, who was familiar with case, said his officers had stopped and questioned the person who brought the two replica pistols into the Island last December and handed him and the guns over to Police.

Police examined the pistols and allowed them through, he said.

His officers were "surprised'' to learn that such guns could legally be brought into the Island without a licence, he said.

"All guns that come into the Island are in fact seized, and the gun and the person are handed over to Police,'' he said.

Customs officers had "seized quite a few guns'' this past year, he said.

Among guns seized were two replica machine guns imported for decorating purposes through a courier service, he said. Mr. Bascome had expressed concern in Parliament that one of the antique-type guns imported to the Island may have been tampered with and had its firing mechanisms restored.