KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Smith & Wesson M&P pistol was recovered by the police along Waltham Park Road in St Andrew early Friday morning.

Reports are that about 3:09 am, police on patrol along Waltham Park Road in the vicinity of the Chinese Cemetery observed two suspicious men within the cemetery grounds. The men reportedly fled upon seeing the police, leaving behind a brown leather bag.

The police said a search of the bag revealed the pistol, along with two magazines. The weapon was seized and is now being processed for further investigation.

The police said this recovery is a direct result of the “alertness, diligence and tactical response of the officers, whose dedication to duty continues to make a significant impact on reducing the threat posed by illegal firearms in our communities”.

Urging citizens to partner with the police in the fight against crime, the Jamaica Constabulary Force said: “We continue to urge citizens to partner with the police in the fight against crime. Illegal firearms and those who traffic them pose a clear and present danger to public safety. We call on all Jamaicans to stand united with us to rid our streets of guns, ammunition and the individuals who are bent on disturbing the peace, maiming lives and destroying the future of our country,” the police said.