ST JAMES, Jamaica — The joint military and police team deployed in Montego Bay, St James is reporting that during today’s major security operations a rifle and ammunition were found in the Flankers area some time around noon.

Reports are that members of the security forces went into unoccupied premises in the area and, after a thorough search, the weapon was found hidden in a rice bag.

Although no one was arrested in connection with the find, Inspector Dian Bartley of the Joint Police Military Communications Unit said the early results are very encouraging.

“We went into a number of hotspots and crime ridden areas in Montego Bay from as early as 5:00 am today and are very happy with this seizure,” said Bartley, adding that numerous incidents of shootings and murder in the space have been committed with similar high-powered weapons.

“We will now rely on the ballistic and forensic technology to determine if this particular rifle was involved in any of the several murders committed over the past 2 weeks,” Bartlett added.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ this afternoon declared a state of public emergency for the parish of St James.

Some 335 murders were recorded in the parish last year and at least four people have been murdered in that western parish since the start of the year.