ST JAMES, Jamaica — Two St Elizabeth residents were charged in relation to an ammunition seizure at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James on Friday.

Charged with unauthorised possession of ammunition are 29-year-old Brian Witter, a security guard of Nain district, St Elizabeth, and 46-year-old Vancia Peart of Pepper district in the parish and the United States of America (US).

Reports from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) are that on Friday, about 11:30 am, Peart was at the airport preparing to board an aeroplane destined for the US when she was subjected to a routine security screening. During the screening process, seven rounds of ammunition were allegedly found in her luggage.

Police say further investigations reportedly implicated Witter, who was later arrested.

The accused were not licensed or authorised to have ammunition.

Both Peart and Witter were taken into custody and charged on Sunday, August 3.

Since the start of the year, 139 rounds of ammunition and four firearms have been seized at the Sangster International Airport.

Director of FNID, Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Patrae Rowe, is reminding all visitors entering and leaving the island of the seriousness of firearm and ammunition breaches at our ports of entry and exit.

“Our airports are not just points of travel; they are critical lines of national defence. The movement of weapons poses a significant threat to public safety. We continue to strengthen security at our borders and urge all persons to comply with the laws of the land. Those who attempt to traffic firearms or ammunition will be held accountable,” said Rowe.