UPDATE: M-16, A-K 47 rifles among eight guns, ammunition found in McCooks Pen

Eight firearms, including an M-16 and two A-K 47 rifles, were recovered by the St Catherine North Police in a pre-dawn operation in the McCooks Pen near Spanish Town, St. Catherine, early this morning.

The police say they also seized 270 assorted rounds of ammunition and a bullet proof vest.

Senior superintendent of police in charge of St Catherine North, Anthony Powell says nine men were picked up for questioning in relation to the arms find and two of them will be charged soon.

Powell says the operation was launched following investigations into gangs operating in the area.

He also says the arms and ammunition find will put a dent in the activities of some of the gangs.

In the meantime, the senior cop is asking citizens to play their part to help the police end violence in their areas.