MONTEGO BAY, St James — Ramped up police operations to address a slight increase in major crimes in St James between May and June led to the seizure of 18 guns and 511 assorted rounds of ammunition, pushing the number of guns seized in the parish so far this year past 90.

According to superintendent of police in charge of operations in St James, Eron Samuels, the parish now leads the way in firearm seizures.

“St James has seen the largest number of firearms recovered since the start of the year; we have recovered 91 weapons,” Samuels told Thursday’s monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation.

When the police noticed an increase in major crimes, up nine per cent to 230, including 20 murders in May and June compared to the corresponding period last year, they ramped up their operations.

That led to the seizure of six guns and 151 assorted rounds of ammunition for the month of May. In June there were 12 guns seized and 360 assorted rounds of ammunition. They also captured nine wanted men who were being sought for committing major crimes throughout the parish.

“We have seen some increase in robberies in the town centre but we have put in some activities in place to make the town safe for everyone,” Samuels said.

“I’m proposing to have a special meeting between the police and all the agencies to get their support…It can only be done with collaboration of others,” he added.

In his update to the municipal corporation, Samuels also spoke about policing efforts during Reggae Sumfest which will be staged in Montego Bay from July 18 to 23.

“Sumfest will see our traffic management team out in full force. We will have adequate members out to protect residents as we expect to have an influx of persons in Montego Bay,” he said.

He stressed that the rest of the parish will be adequately policed during the music festival.

“Just to reassure the public that even though we will focus our attention on Sumfest, we will not be opening doors for other crimes to take place,” he assured.

“We will be getting help from the military and specialised operation teams as well as quick response teams to ensure the entire parish is properly covered.”

— Venesha Morris