Gun haul in St Thomas
Published:Monday | October 13, 2025 | 12:09 AMCorey Robinson/Senior Staff Reporter
A 78-year-old man is among two people in police custody for illegal possession of ammunition and firearms, following seizures made during two separate police operations in St Thomas on the weekend. One multi-calibre AM-15 rifle was among the seizures.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Jovaine Williams, the haul is the result of robust efforts by investigators to stymie the proliferation of illegal weapons in the parish.
“The volume and calibre of weapons seized indicates the continuous efforts by criminal elements to bring serious violence into our communities,” said Williams. “This will not be tolerated, and we will be doing everything in our power to ensure citizens’ safety.”
The elderly man was taken into custody after his home in Lyssons was searched by sleuths acting on information on Friday, and a quantity of ammunition was found in his possession. Police personnel said that, during the search, a magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition was found concealed inside a printer located within the suspect’s bedroom. That operation is suspected to be tied to other ongoing criminal investigations, they said.
In the second incident, hours later, sleuths late Saturday night intercepted a Honda CR-V motor vehicle, whose driver was from the parish. Upon search of the vehicle, a black AM-15 multi-calibre rifle with a partially erased serial number, and a black Taurus pistol, with a magazine containing four 9mm rounds, were found. The police also seized two 5.56 magazines, nine 5.56 cartridges, and one .22 round.
In both incidents, the men were arrested for unauthorised possession of ammunition and stockpiling prohibited weapons.
“This successful operation is a direct result of intelligence-led policing and demonstrates the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) unwavering commitment to disrupting the supply chain of illegal guns that fuel murders across the island,” offered Williams, adding that the JCF continues to urge citizens to share information via the 311 Crimestoppers telephone number, the National Intelligence Bureau tip line, or the nearest police station.
“The JCF continues to stress that the removal of any illegal firearm or ammunition component is a vital step in disrupting the cycle of violence. We continue to commend members of the public who continue to share information. Intelligence-led operations remain the cornerstone of policing strategies to improve community safety,” he said.
The St Thomas Police said they have seized some 18 firearms and more than 300 rounds since the start of the year.