The Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) is reporting that it has disrupted the illicit trafficking of guns and ammunition through several operations that resulted in critical seizures and arrests.

The police said that on diverse dates between July 1 and October 12, several joint operations were carried out in collaboration with the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA).

Over that period 17 persons were arrested for breaches of the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act.

Eight of the seventeen persons arrested were charged and the matters placed before the court for offences ranging from trafficking in prohibited weapon to possession of a prohibited weapon.

Further seizure included the recovery of 22 firearms (2 rifles & 20 pistols) and the recovery of 1,274 assorted rounds of ammunition.

“These recent seizures and arrests demonstrate the resolve of FNID to remain focused and resolute in its approach to detecting, deterring, disrupting, and ultimately dismantling criminal networks involved in smuggling firearms into Jamaica,” the police said.

“FNID will continue to work with its local, regional and international partners to ensure all persons who conspired to smuggle illegal firearms and ammunition into Jamaica are appropriately punished,” the police said.