HEAD of the police Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (C-TOC) Assistant Commissioner Anthony McLaughlin says the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is prepared and determined to go after people involved in shipping illegal guns to the island.

This follows a major gun and ammunition find at Newport West, Port Bustamante, in Kingston, on Monday, and the subsequent arrest of two men believed to be involved in the shipment.

This latest seizure marks a significant milestone in the ongoing crackdown on illegal arms smuggling and McLaughlin disclosed that on Monday a team from Jamaica Customs Agency and the police Firearms Narcotics Investigation Division intercepted a container shipped from the United States and discovered 66 firearms, including 16 high-powered rifles, along with more than 4,700 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

“The Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division, operating under C-TOC, spearheaded investigations into the illicit shipment. Their swift and coordinated efforts led to the arrest of two suspects on Wednesday,” said McLaughlin.

The names of the two suspects have not been publicised but the police have indicated that they will be questioned and charged.

“There are a number of other persons who will be questioned in connection with the find,” added McLaughlin.

“Once again we are warning persons who want to use this route to ship firearms and other illegal things to Jamaica that we are tightening up on the borders. We are cooperating more with our international partners so once you try to do this sort of thing you are going to be caught and charged,” declared McLaughlin.