Seven illegal guns were seized in operations across the country between Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21, as the Police ramped up their operational activities in their mission to save lives and keep people safe.
The seizures began in St. James on Thursday.
In the first instance, between 4:30 PM and 6:25 PM, a targeted operation was carried out in the New Ramble area of Bogue Hill, St. James, focusing on recovering illegal firearms and disrupting criminal activities.
During the operation, a house was searched, resulting in the seizure of a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol. Two women were arrested on suspicion of possession of a prohibited weapon and ammunition.
On Thursday night, the police were reportedly conducting a flag march operation when they came upon a group of men who immediately opened gunfire upon sighting the security personnel. The lawmen returned gunfire, leading to a prolonged exchange. In the aftermath, one man was found with a 9mm Glock pistol. Another man was found with a 9mm Taurus pistol. Both men were taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Midday Seizures in Kingston Western and Kingston Eastern
On Friday, the Kingston Western Police seized an Intratec 9mm Luger pistol with a magazine containing three 9mm rounds of ammunition during an operation on West Street, Kingston 14. Reports are that about 12:30 p.m., the team of officers were in the area when they observed two men walking. Upon seeing the police team, one of the men dropped a bag he was carrying and ran. The bag was retrieved and searched—the firearm and ammunition was found inside. No one was arrested in relation to the find.
Almost simultaneously, an incident on South Camp Road, Kingston led to seizure of a .45 pistol with a magazine containing two .45 rounds of ammunition by the Kingston Eastern Police. According to reports, about 12:35 p.m., two men had an altercation. During the fracas, one of the men pulled a firearm and pointed it at the other. A policeman who was in close proximity intervened and the man was disarmed. The man was subsequently taken into custody; however, his identity is being withheld pending further investigation.
Two Seizures in St. Andrew North
As Friday afternoon continued, the St. Andrew North Police came into action. It is reported that about 4:00 p.m., lawmen were in Burnt Shop District, Lawrence Tavern in St. Andrew when a man was seen along the roadway acting in a manner that aroused their suspicion. A search was conducted and a homemade firearm was found on his person. He was taken into custody and subsequently charged. He has since been identified as 22-year-old Kimani Reynolds otherwise called ‘Jah Jah’. He was charged with Possession of Prohibited Weapon.
Shortly after, about 4:15 p.m., another police team from the St. Andrew North Division seized one Taurus pistol and ten 9mm cartridges in Irish Town in the parish. Reports are that a team of officers were on an operation in the community when a premises was searched and the firearm and ammunition found. One man was taken into custody in relation to the seizure. His identity is being withheld pending further investigation.
Continue to Support the Police
The increased police operations are part of ongoing initiatives to ensure the safety and security of residents, providing reassurance to law-abiding citizens while actively pursuing and dismantling criminal networks. Persons with information that can assist are encouraged to call Crime Stop at 311 and share what they know.
