Western Bureau:

Just three days after taking up his new assignment as

commanding officer of the St James Police Division, Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor is already creating an impact, having spearheaded an operation in which a shotgun and 74 rounds of assorted ammunition were seized in two separate operations yesterday.

Additionally, two men were also taken into custody in connection with a recent murder in the Rose Heights community, which is one of notorious hot spots in the parish.

"This find is testimony to the kind of work that is being done here in St James. I have no doubt that the men and women of the division will be working assiduously to manage crime and violence in this parish," noted McGregor.

Yesterday's gun find brings to 24 the number of illegal guns seized in St James since the start of the year. The parish has also recorded more than 30 murders over the period.

"This is the 24th firearm that we have taken off the streets of St James," said McGregor, in reference to the latest gun find. "This speaks to the hard work being done here."

McGregor, who is in his second stint as the commander for the St James Police Division, said he would be working closely with the citizens of the parish, to stem the spate of lawlessness, which prompted the police hierarchy to send him back to the parish.

"We recognise that making a connection with the people is very important in the fight against crime and violence," said McGregor. "Therefore, this will be one of our main strategies in the ongoing war against crime in this parish ... . We are going to see much difference here in Montego Bay, going forward."