ST MARY, Jamaica — Four people have been taken into custody following the seizure of an illegal firearm and ammunition during a major police operation in Crooked River, Annotto Bay in St Mary on Wednesday morning.

According to police reports, around 6:15 am, officers from the Area 2 Fugitive Apprehension Team, acting on intelligence, carried out a targeted raid at a three-bedroom house in the Crooked River community. The operation formed part of a wider parish crackdown led by Superintendent Anthony Wallace, the commanding officer for the St Mary Police Division.

During the search, lawmen reportedly discovered a black Sig Sauer 9mm pistol with one cartridge chambered and a magazine containing twelve live rounds in a bedroom occupied by two residents. All three occupants of the premises were arrested and jointly charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unauthorised possession of ammunition.

Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of a fourth man at a nearby property. He is believed to have used the weapon and was taken into custody on reasonable suspicion of possession of a prohibited weapon.

In addition, police say five other individuals were arrested and charged with various offenses, including possession of identity information, dealing in and trafficking ganja and possession of an offensive weapon.

The operation, which involved approximately 150 law enforcement officers, was part of an intensified effort to disrupt criminal networks, recover illegal weapons and strengthen public safety across the parish.

Superintendent Wallace praised the coordinated effort of the joint team, commending their “tactical precision” and “renewed focus on targeting armed offenders”.

He reaffirmed the division’s commitment to maintaining safety in St Mary, stating, “The St Mary division remains resolute in its mission to make the parish safer for all law-abiding citizens.”