16-y-o among 3 booked for scamming, ammunition amid probe into shipment of 11 guns from US

Three persons, including a 16-year-old from Mandeville, Manchester, have been charged under the Law Reform and Firearm Acts following an operation at a property in the parish last week.

A statement from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on its Facebook page on Friday said the operation involved police personnel from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), the Area 3 Area Fugitive Apprehension Team, and the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC).

It stemmed from an ongoing investigation into the seizure of firearms and ammunition at a logistics facility in Newport West, Kingston on March 19. A total of 11 pistols, 50 magazines and over 300 rounds of ammunition were found.

 The teen and another man were charged with possession of identify information under the Law Reform (Fraudulent Transactions Special Provisions) Act, 2013, while a woman was charged with possession of unauthorised ammunition under the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022.

The identities of the three persons, including the two adults, were not released.

 Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police Samuel Blake, head of FNID, stated that investigations into the trafficking of firearms and illicit drugs are intensifying, and said the police are aiming to degrade organised crime syndicates island-wide.

 “FNID is intensifying its operations and disrupting groups who pose a direct threat to our communities. We are leaving no stones unturned, and are partnering with various agencies to dismantle these dangerous networks,” said Blake.

 Meantime, FNID investigators continue to appeal to the public to share what they know regarding the movement of illegal firearms and illicit drugs, and to report any suspicious activities to the police.

Anyone with information that can assist is urged to call FNID at 876-923-5729, Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, or the nearest police station.