A security breach involving a suspected firearm at Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay yesterday triggered full emergency security procedures which entailed the cessation of boarding and departure of flights.

The ground stop, which lasted an hour and a half — from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm — was eventually lifted and operations resumed.

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunication & Transport Daryl Vaz said the airport management reported that at approximately 1:00 pm the breach was detected and appeared to involve a firearm that seemed to have passed through the pre-board passenger screening machine that is manned by port security officers.

“The item was spotted in a bag on the screening machine images after the passenger had passed through and entered the departure lounge. As a result, the airport management triggered full emergency security procedures which entailed the cessation of boarding and departure of flights until the passenger and bag were identified to verify its contents and treat with it according to security procedures,” the minister said.

After locating the passenger and bag, the item seen on the screening machine image was not found. Further searches took place within the terminal for possible dumping of the item. A gun-shaped lighter, which had been discarded, was eventually found.

Vaz said the airport police were also involved in the emergency procedure.

“While I am happy that the emergency protocols worked and the breach was discovered and an item recovered, I will instruct that an audit for a review of security protocols is done to improve and strengthen the processes without causing delays to passengers departing both international airports ,” Vaz said last evening.

“I am waiting on a full report to be given to me at this time.”

The gun-shaped lighter which caused Sunday’s shutdown.