51 guns seized in St James this year- SSP Nesbeth

WESTERN BUREAU:

Despite the fact that murders have raced passed the 100 mark since the start of the year, the Police High Command in St James is still claiming some success, as, according Senior Superintendent of Police Marlon Nesbeth, they have seized 51 illegal guns since the start of the year.

"We would have got some guns last week, and this brings our tally now to 51 since the start of the year; roughly five more than we did for the same period last year," said Nesbeth. "Our efforts continue around that as we are out there daily working to get the illegal guns off the streets."

During a series of operations in the parish last week, the police seized seven illegal firearms, including a high-powered rifle. However, no arrests were made in connection with those seizures.

"Our operation is a continued effort. It was not just for last week and it is not just for certain areas; it is a total push against criminality within St James," said Nesbeth.

Plea for citizens' help

He said that the police were also renewing their call for the citizens to work with them to subdue the criminal elements, including those persons who are wanted for crimes in other parishes and are believed to be hiding out in numerous St James communities.

"We want to engage our citizens in so many ways, but certainly around getting these wanted men. Getting these men who come in as strangers to wreak havoc within St James, and also to get information on the guns, because they use the guns and parade with them from time to time," said Nesbeth. "People see them and know of them. We are asking that they give us the support and tell us so we can recover those weapons."

Despite several new initiatives, including bringing in additional police and military personnel, St James continues to lead the nation with murders and shootings. Like last year, which had a record 268 murders, reining in the lawlessness continues to be a major challenge for the police.