ST ANDREW, Jamaica — The St Andrew South Police Division has recovered 16 firearms in 35 days in what the police are describing as a significant success in efforts to remove illegal weapons from the streets.

Along with the firearms, 104 assorted rounds of ammunition were also recovered between January 1 and February 4, 2025.

“Last year this time we would have recovered five such firearms and at that time we thought it was a big achievement. We are deliberate and persistent in ensuring that we disarm and displace criminals [from] St Andrew South,” said Superintendent Damion Manderson, head of the division.

Despite the achievement, killings increased in the space as well with the division recording 13 murders for the month of January, up from three in 2024.
“We are assiduously working and confident of reeling back these figures,” Manderson said, encouraging residents not to be “overly alarmed”.

Several individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the seized firearms, including 28-year-old Nieem Pinnock also called Blacks of Cockburn Pen, Kingston 11; Kashif Johnoy Hylton, a 33-year old Factory Worker of Kidd Lane; Warren “Zeeks” Grant, a 26-year-old of Hill Avenue, Kingston 11; Teddeeky Perkins also known as Snoss, a 19-year-old Vendor of Majesty Gardens, Kingston 11; and Shaquell Williams, a 21-year-old from Seaview Gardens, Kingston 11.

Additionally, police say that confrontations with armed suspects led to fatal encounters involving four people.

Dead are 19-year-old Brandon Reid also called Redman of Crescent Road; 21-year-old Phillipo Brown also known as “Six” of Whitfield Town and 21-year-old Rainford McEwan otherwise called Chocolate, from York Avenue, Kingston 11.

Also shot fatally was Othniel Lobban called Thickman, a 42-year-old alleged gang leader from Spanish Town.

READ: Reputed One Order Gang leader shot dead by police

Manderson is now calling on the public for their continued assistance.
“We continue to appeal to the public for information that can assist in recovering more illegal weapons and apprehending those involved in criminal activities,” he said.

(Video: Ramon Thompson)