KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ruling  Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has described the large number of weapons that were recently found at one of the nation’s port as ‘disturbing’.

The party noted that there have been approximately 250 guns, including 74 rifles, and 40,000 bullets, that have been attempted to be imported into the island.

Jamaica Labour Party Communication Taskforce Chairman, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, says the party recognises that the seizure of the rounds of ammunition represents approximately 40,000 lives saved.

Senator Fitz-Henley also commended “the diligent and hardworking men and women of the security forces and Jamaica Customs.”

“We must appreciate the efforts of the security forces, including the men and women of the JCF and JDF, who, along with Jamaica Customs, contributed to the seizure. The seizure is not to be taken lightly. Every bullet can result in a fatality. Therefore, it is a fact that the seizure represents Jamaican lives saved. Saving the lives of law-abiding Jamaica is a priority to the Jamaica Labour Party and hence we must take the time to acknowledge the efforts of the security forces and Jamaica Customs, ” he said

Senator Fitz-Henley notes that the seizure comes on the heels of a recent commitment given by Prime Minister Andrew Holness that the Government will be intensifying its strategic push to prevent illegal guns entering the island and to seize the weapons off the nation’s streets.

Fitz-Henley says the JLP is concerned that at a time when there is a record decline in murders that individuals would have seen it fit to attempt to smuggle approximately 250 guns and 40-thousand bullets into Jamaica.

Senator Fitz-Henley also acknowledged the efforts of the Holness-administration and National Security Ministry Horace Chang which he noted, have taken deliberate actions to improve the likelihood of major gun and ammunition seizures and ultimately have contributed to a major decline in violent crimes in Jamaica.

“Good and strategic policies matter. The administration has been deliberate in investing billions of dollars in enhancing the intelligence capability of our security forces, protecting our borders, and bringing greater use of technology to the crime fight. These seizures of dangerous weaponry and ammunition, and the current 44-per cent reduction in murders, are therefore no coincidence. We are confident that there will be a continuation of positive outcomes which increase safety and security in the country,” Senator Fitz-Henley concluded.