247 people charged with illegal possession of firearm
Tamoy Ashman / Our Today
A total of 247 people have been charged with possession of an illegal firearm under the new Firearms Act.
Additionally, over 81 weapons were discovered and seized by the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) at entry points of the country.
The update was given by Prime Minister Andrew Holness as he made his contribution to the 2023-2024 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives yesterday (March 16).
“To further protect our borders, our revenues and economy we are now updating our Customs Act. Jamaica Customs is now a permanent member of the National Security Council,” said Holness.
The Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act 2022 came into effect in November last year. The Act falls under the Government’s Plan Secure Jamaica, which aims to create a master plan of action to address crime and violence across the island.
A 14-day amnesty was given for Jamaicans to turn in illegal firearms without consequences between November 5 and November 19 last year. Holness had announced that 101 firearms and 3,000 rounds of ammunition were handed over to the authorities under the gun amnesty.
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