Three firearms were seized on Monday, December 18, during a joint police-military operation at 100 Sunrise Crescent in St Andrew.

Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay, head of the JCF Corporate Communications Unit, said the planned intelligence-led operation around 5:00 a.m. today resulted in the seizure of three firearms, including one rifle and two semi-automatic pistols, along with several assorted ammunition.

“This operation started sometime after five it’s a planned intelligence-driven operation, the police from the St Andrew North Division, which is leading this operation supported by the specialised operations branch, as well as members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). We also have members of our Search Centre and our Canine Division as part of this search, so this operation is in response to some incidents of robbery and shooting in the general Sunrise, 100 Lane and some Chancery Street area in recent times, where they are targeting some individuals. So far they have taken a number of persons in custody, some of whom are already persons of interest in previous crimes committed in the space, as well as some persons who are likely to be suspects,” Lindsay outlined.

While Lindsay did not disclose how many individuals were taken into custody, she said an individual who was among those taken into custody would be charged with illegal possession of a firearm and other offences under the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act.

“I believe today’s operation is a good indication of how the police are pushing forward to reduce the incidents of violence in this particular area. It’s a big community even though it is one of interest and I believe the persons in this residence can breathe a sigh of relief for the rest of the year because these persons and these weapons are no longer a part of the community. It is commendable, I know the police are still carrying out searches and they intend to carry this approach to the end of the year because we really want to see an end to violence and robbery and the incidence of shooting in this particular community,” Lindsay added.

Since the start of the year, a total of 56 murders have been recorded in the St Andrew North Police Division.

According to the JCF, this represents a two per cent reduction compared to the same time last year. A total of 1,349 Jamaicans have been murdered across the island up to Saturday, December 16.