BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE number of illegal firearms which the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is removing from the streets continues to rise with the last haul seeing six being confiscated.
The organization issued a press release today (Nov. 10) which indicated that the firearms included a rifle along with several 7.62 rounds of ammunition.
It informed that members of the Special Services and the Anti-Drug Units were conducting search operations yesterday in two separate areas in the Basseterre area after receiving information from a citizen.
The release explained that the items were “slightly covered under some bushes and dirt”, but it did not indicate the exact location at which the items were found.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is one of the deliverables of the Police Six (6) Point Plan for the Reduction of Homicides and Violent Crimes in the Federation.
“This discovery and seizure brings to thirty-four (34) the number of illegal firearms discovered and removed from our communities so far in 2016. A total of twenty- one (21) illegal firearms were seized in 2015,” the release stated.
It quoted Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley as describing the seizure as a blessing.
"Today is a great day for the units involved, weeks of hard work, using the training they have received and the collaboration with our partners has paid off…The illegal firearms taken from the streets in this search is a blessing in many ways but, in particular, it's a blessing for our communities that these firearms are out of the hands of those who want to engage in a life of crime."
He also commended his officers for their untiring efforts which continue to reap rewards.
“I am proud of our officers they continue to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that our country is safe. Our country should be proud of them as well. Their dedication and untiring efforts to ensuring citizen safety has delivered more results yet again, this time in a big way."
Citizens, residents and visitors are encouraged by the CoP to report any suspicious behaviour or activity within their respective communities.
“This is one of the ways that you can get involved in the fight against crime. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS)."
