GET THE GUNS CAMPAIGN : Almost 70 guns, 800 rounds of ammo seized under new campaign from communities across Jamaica reported Commissioner of Police Dr Carl Williams

Friday, October 16, 2015    

THE 'Get the Guns' campaign, launched just over three weeks ago, continues to reap results in the seizure of illegal firearms.

Commissioner of Police Dr Carl Williams has reported that law enforcement officers have seized 68 illegal guns and some 800 rounds of assorted ammunition from communities across Jamaica.

Speaking Wednesday at the handover of nine boats by the United States Embassy to the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) Marine Division at his Old Hope Road office, Commissioner Williams expressed confidence that the campaign will continue to be a success.

"We are following some very good intelligence leads, which I am certain will lead to the seizure of several more firearms in the next few weeks. The initiative has been fairly successful and we envision further success," he said.

The 'Get the Guns' campaign, which got underway on September 17, is the JCF's latest crime-fighting initiative, aimed at reducing the number of guns available for use in murders across the island.

It involves, among other things, intercepting illegal guns entering the island's shores and seizing them from criminals.

The campaign features a reward scheme to encourage members of the public to provide information.

It involves collaboration with Haitian law enforcement authorities due to the high inflow of illegal guns from the French-speaking island.

The commissioner said the Haitian authorities have intercepted 13 illegal firearms that were destined for Jamaica, as well as some 2,500 pounds of marijuana seized at the Haitian border.

Dr Williams said that the boats provided by the US Government will enhance the capabilities of the police in protecting the country's borders, including reducing the inflow of illegal guns and drugs into the country. more