Dozens of guns seized at Kgn wharf among largest caches found in 2024
Published:Friday | December 13, 2024 | 4:48 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
Five barrels shipped from the United States, labelled groceries and clothing, were found to contain assembled guns, some designer (Gucci) plated, and firearm accessories to further assemble at least 39 pistols along with approximately 2,800 ammunition, at a wharf in Kingston.
Though the discovery was made Wednesday, the police had not issued a public statement up to press time yesterday, but sources close to the ongoing investigation told The Gleaner that the authorities had intended to trace the importation of the illegal cache of weapons to its designated collector and destination.
The Gleaner first reported Wednesday evening that the seizure at the time of publication was 33 firearms and 700 rounds of assorted ammunition, adding that the count was ongoing.
On Thursday, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) stated in a release that, during routine operations Wednesday, they detected anomalies in shipments being imported from the United States.
“Examination by a joint team comprising Jamaica Customs and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) led to the discovery of multiple firearms and accessories, as well as 2,800 rounds of ammunition,” the JCA release stated.
The matter is reportedly being probed by the Firearm Narcotics Investigations Division of the JCF.
“This seizure is of significance, as it speaks to our continued thrust to place a huge dent in organised crime and ultimately to prevent it,” the JCA said.
With the holiday season underway, the JCA also sought to remind persons with any crime-related information to call Crime Stop at 311.
The Gleaner gathered that the 42 pistols and one rifle is the preliminary count as they are still trying to piece together pistol slides and magazines and rifle barrels.
The seizure represents one of the largest caches this year and the police have underlined that it is a significant dent in the criminal underworld.
In February, a joint operation between the JCF Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (C-TOC) and JCA intercepted more than 64 assorted 9mm pistols and 965 rounds of 9mm ammunition at the Kingston wharf.
The shipment was also originated in the US.
Two individuals were taken into custody then.
Last week a 42-year-old American Shaun Duncan was arrested and charged after six firearms, along with gun accessories and 200 rounds of ammunition were found in his luggage at the Sangster International Airport in St James on November 29.
The JCF has made significant inroads this year in firearms and ammunition seizures.
As at December 8, a total of 725 illegal weapons were seized.
This is 72 more than the 653 seized during the corresponding period in 2023.
The JCF also seized 11,946 rounds of assorted ammunition this year.
This represents an increase of 1,961 over the 9,985 seized during the period under review in 2023.
Meanwhile, a new 2024 report from the United States Government Accountability Office, which was released in November, confirmed that most of the firearms wreaking havoc in Caribbean nations and used in 90 per cent of the homicides are coming from the US.
The report also noted that while 73 per cent of the guns seized over a five-year period between 2018 and 2023, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, were traced back to the US, some Caribbean governments have shown greater willingness than others to recover and trace firearms.
The report also notes that, despite complaining, some countries do not allow sting operations, known as international controlled deliveries, to identify illegal trafficking networks by allowing shipments of inoperable guns to go to the intended recipients.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang is commending the collaborative efforts of the JCA, the security forces and international partners for their swift response in the recovery of firearms and several rounds of ammunition on Wednesday. The national security minister is strongly advising persons involved in trafficking firearms to Jamaica to desist from engaging in such transnational organised crime.
“I am therefore warning all persons who plan to traffic guns to Jamaica through our ports, that we will find them and the persons who facilitate the trafficking, and they will experience the full force of the law,” Chang warned.
He further added: “I encourage all our Jamaicans overseas to continue supporting your families locally with the customary barrel of goodies at Christmas. It is appreciated. However, do not send guns to Jamaica, you are only putting your family and friends at risk and you will be caught.”
The Ministry of National Security supports the National Security Council’s efforts in the development of a policy with a focus on strengthening capabilities to detect weapons and other contraband coming into the island through the country’s air and seaports.
As part of the Government’s commitment to border security, this policy will aid in bolstering the technology capacity of all agencies with security responsibilities, which the JCA is part of.