A significant investigation is underway after Jamaican and U.S. authorities intercepted what’s being described as the biggest unlawful firearms cargo in latest historical past—greater than 220 weapons and tens of 1000’s of rounds of ammunition—at a port warehouse in Kingston.
The huge cache—believed to have originated in america—was uncovered earlier this week throughout a joint operation by the Jamaica Constabulary Power (JCF), the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), and the Jamaica Customs Company (JCA). In keeping with a number of sources, the weapons have been hid inside an industrial-size water heater situated at a warehouse on Industrial Terrace in west Kingston.
Radio Jamaica News reported that 4 extra water heaters have been a part of the identical cargo, which investigators consider can also include contraband. At press time, the counting of ammunition was nonetheless underway, with lawmen estimating the ultimate tally may exceed 10,000 rounds.
The JCF had not issued an official assertion as much as late Wednesday, however regulation enforcement insiders described the seizure as unprecedented in scale. A lot of the weapons recovered have been pistols, although the haul additionally included high-powered rifles and firearm equipment.
This marks the second main gun seizure in just below two months and continues a sample of elevated interceptions at Jamaican ports. On March 18, a joint safety staff uncovered 24 pistols, six rifles, and over 100 rounds of ammunition at a separate warehouse on Marcus Garvey Drive. Between December and March, the JCF and JCA seized 148 unlawful firearms and about 8,000 rounds of ammunition in related operations.
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The Jamaica Customs Company has pointed to main enhancements in port safety since assuming full duty for non-intrusive cargo inspections in July 2024.
Earlier this yr, the JCA issued a direct warning to smugglers, stating that its profitable interdictions underscore the company’s “relentless pursuit of nationwide safety and its ongoing efforts to disrupt the unlawful arms commerce.”
“These seizures come after Jamaica Customs assumed full duty for non-intrusive cargo inspections in July 2024. With enhanced oversight, superior cargo inspection expertise, and intelligence-driven methods, the company has considerably strengthened its capacity to detect and stop illicit shipments,” the company stated.
The JCA added that the latest gun finds reveal each the energy of its trendy inspection methods and the dedication of its personnel.
“With cutting-edge cargo inspection expertise and collaboration with native and worldwide regulation enforcement, our message is evident: ‘Ship meals and never weapons. For those who try and smuggle weapons by way of our ports, we’ll discover them,’” the company stated.
Authorities are anticipated to offer additional particulars on the file because the investigation develops.
