TRELAWNY, Jamaica – At least 179 illegal firearms have been seized in the St James police since the start of this year, the most across the 19 police divisions.

The St James police have also recorded 167 murders and 100 shootings between January 1 and November 6. This is the highest number of violent crimes in the 19 police divisions across the island.

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Area One police, Clifford Chambers is confident that the St James police will maintain the momentum in removing illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals.

“Based on the volatility that we have observed in recent times we know the guns are out there but the efforts continue as the recoveries are giving us some good results. We know that with good information and support from the citizenry we will continue to get the guns off the streets,” ACP Chambers said.

He was speaking with Observer Online following the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s 156th National Commemorative and Memorial Church Service at the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trelawny, on Saturday.

– Horace Hines