Police concerned about persons trying to board flights with guns

The Police say they are extremely concerned about the number of foreign nationals who are trying to get past security at Jamaica’s ports and board aeroplanes with firearms and ammunition.  

The concern has been raised against the background of three incidents which occurred last week.

In one incident, a United States national was arrested and charged following the seizure of a firearm, two magazines and several rounds of ammunition at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, on June 20.

Thirty-six-year-old Royce Isaac pleaded guilty to the charges of possession of firearm and ammunition and was fined $100,000 or 12 months imprisonment.

Meanwhile, on June 21, two United States nationals were arrested and charged following the seizure of a magazine containing 11 rounds of ammunition at the Sangster International Airport.

Both persons were charged, but on Thursday, charges were dropped against one person while the other, 53-year-old Desmond Bennett, was fined $70,000 or 12 months in prison.

The third incident occurred on June 23 and involved a Belizean national who was arrested and charged after one round of ammunition was discovered in his luggage at the Norman Manley International Airport, in Kingston.

The police say 24-year-old Zacehery Hart was attempting to board an outgoing flight to Miami, Florida when the discovery was made. 

He is scheduled to appear in the Corporate Area Court on Wednesday.

Head of the Border Security Branch Assistant Commissioner of Police Assan Thompson says international regulations do not permit citizens to carry firearms on flights and persons will be charged for items which breach the Civil Aviation Act and international guidelines.