Six persons arrested and charged while 20 individuals were detained for questioning

Durrant Pate/Contributor

The St. Mary Police Division has recorded significant success following its first major operation, which was conducted early morning on  Saturday, January 10, 2026.

During the operation, which commenced at approximately 4:00 a.m. six persons were arrested and charged, while 20 individuals were detained for questioning.

The operation involved simultaneous, intelligence-led targeted raids and vehicular checkpoints (VCPs) across several communities, including Oracabessa, Spicy Grove, Days Mountain, Stewart Town, Mango Valley, and Huddersfield. As a result of the coordinated effort, the police seized one 9mm Beretta handgun with a magazine containing six 9mm rounds of ammunition. 

The firearm was discovered inside a three-bedroom board-structure house, where it was concealed in a mattress. One man and a female were arrested in connection with the seizure of the firearm, and investigations into the matter are ongoing. In total, six persons were arrested and charged for various offences arising from the operation, while a total of twenty individuals were detained for questioning.

Additionally, the operation resulted in traffic tickets being issued for a range of traffic-related offences, reflecting the police’s continued focus on road safety and law enforcement. This major operation was a united and collaborative effort, involving members of the St. Mary Police Division, Area Two Fugitive Apprehension Team, Specialised Operations, Canine Division, Caribbean Search Centre, and the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB).

The St. Mary Police Division says it remains resolute in its commitment to disrupting criminal activity, removing illegal firearms from the streets, and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. Members of the public are encouraged to continue partnering with the police by providing information that can assist in crime-fighting efforts.