THE Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has reported a significant increase in the detection of contraband, including firearms and ammunition, at the country’s formal ports of entry since the start of this year.
Making a presentation last Thursday during the National Security Council’s latest monthly meeting, JCA officials pointed out that the heightened vigilance and improved operational strategies have contributed to a 12 per cent increase in the seizure of illegal firearms so far in 2025. According to the JCA’s latest report, substantial strides have been made in the agency’s ability to identify and intercept firearms and ammunition smuggled into the country, thanks to continued investment in state-of-the-art scanning equipment, personnel training, and a concerted effort to develop stronger, more effective leadership within the organisation.

Among the major seizures was a February 17 bust when JCA personnel detected anomalies in a shipment and contacted investigators from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FIND).

Officials of the two agencies carried out a physical search of the shipment and found 50 handguns, 16 rifles, 4,737 assorted rounds of ammunition, and 83 assorted magazines.

Thirty-six-year-old Davian Roberts, a truck driver of Columbus, Georgia, in the United States and Cooreville Gardens, Kingston 20, was subsequently charged in connection with that seizure.

Roberts is before the courts facing charges of trafficking prohibited weapons and failure to comply with a production order under the Cyber Crimes Act.

The increase in firearm seizures comes amid growing concerns about the role of illicit weapons in fuelling violence and criminal networks.

The JCA, which operates under the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, has been at the forefront of Jamaica’s battle against illegal trafficking, working closely with other law enforcement agencies such as the JCF, Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency, and the Narcotics Division to crack down on illegal imports.

In the meantime, with rising concerns about cross-border criminal activities in the region, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) told the National Security Council meeting that it has ramped up its efforts to curb the illegal trafficking of people, drugs, and firearms in the waters between Jamaica and Haiti.

It was noted that the JDF has successfully completed its first deployment of personnel in support of the multinational security mission to Haiti, an initiative aimed at stabilising the country amidst ongoing unrest. This deployment was part of Jamaica’s broader commitment to regional security and collaboration with international partners.

Following the completion of the first mission, the JDF is currently in its second rotation, continuing to support the mission’s objectives while maintaining its core duties at home.

In addition to its international role, the JDF remains heavily involved in supporting Jamaica’s national crime reduction strategy.

The force’s contributions to domestic security are particularly focused on the Joint Anti-Gang Task Force, a collaborative effort between the JDF, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and other law enforcement agencies.

— Jerome Williams