ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — A man is now facing multiple firearm-related charges following the seizure of two illegal weapons and a cache of ammunition during a police operation in St Elizabeth last week.

According to reports, the seizure occurred on Friday, July 11 at 5:15 pm along the Vauxhall main road in the parish. Lawmen were reportedly conducting a security operation in the area when they signalled a motorcyclist to stop. The rider, however, ignored the directive and attempted to flee by turning the motorcycle around, the police said. In the process, he lost control and fell from the bike.

Upon being apprehended, the individual was searched and the police discovered a .22 revolver with an obscured serial number loaded with eight .22mm cartridges, as well as a Colt .45 pistol with an empty magazine.

Officers also seized nine .45mm cartridges, 13 9mm cartridges, seven additional .22mm cartridges, a pack of Lion Pride rolling papers, and one ounce of vegetable matter resembling ganja in a transparent plastic bag.

The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Alphanson O’Brian Bruce, otherwise called “Phanso”, a welder of Cuffes Pen District, St Elizabeth. He has been formally charged with two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon and unauthorised possession of ammunition.

Head of the St Elizabeth Police Division, Superintendent Coleridge Minto, commended the officers involved in the operation for their swift and effective response. He also encouraged the public to report any information regarding criminal activity, wanted persons, or prohibited weapons by calling 119, Crime Stop at 311, or visiting the nearest police station.