Warning after increase in butterfly knives imports

The blades, also known as balisongs, are enclosed by a handle, which is designed to split down the middle, without the operation of a spring or other mechanical means, to reveal the blade.

‘It is suspected this is due to their popularisation on various social media sites, however we would like to remind islanders that these items are categorised as offensive weapons for the purposes of importation,’ a Bailiwick Law Enforcement spokesman said.

‘If you are trying to buy one of these items from the internet, or trying to import it via other means, you are required under the law to have a licence.’

Importation of these knives, along with other offensive weapons, is separate from the law about possessing weapons in a public place.

There is no distinction between a sharp blade and one which has not been sharpened, nor does the material of which the knife is made affect the classification.

This means that knives or items marketed as training devices made of plastic, resin or other non-metallic materials, and those without a sharp blade or point at the time of purchase may also contravene the law.

Importation or attempted importation can result in seizure of the goods and the possibility of a criminal investigation.

There are other martial arts, live action roleplay, and film and TV memorabilia which, although available for purchase on well-known and trusted websites, may fall foul of the same order.

Anyone wishing to get advice can email detectionbranch@gba.gov.gg .