Police: Operation Resilience seizes record number of illegal firearms

The police are reporting that since the launch of Operation Resilience, a total of 295 operations have been carried out, resulting in a record seizure of 77 illegal firearms for the month of October and the arrest of 174 individuals.



This figure represents the highest number of recorded firearm seizures ever in any given month since June 2010 and has further increased illegal gun seizures to 601 for the period January to October 2013. This reflects a 20 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, when a total 500 seizures were recorded for the same period. January to October 2013 also accounts for the highest illegal firearm seizures for the same period over the last five years.



Of the 174 persons who were arrested for various offences, several were wanted for murders, shootings and other serious crimes.



Of the 601 illegal firearms recovered for the period January to October 2013, in more than 60 per cent of the incidents, there was no fatality, injury or harm to suspect(s) involved, reiterating that fact that the police have no intention of killing, injuring or harming suspects, once they surrender.



A release from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) stated that as part of its mission to detect and prevent crimes, criminals must be disarmed and deprived of criminal commodities in order to keep Jamaica safe and crime free.



The police are reminding citizens that the peaceful surrender of suspects, guarantees their safety and are urging suspects not to challenge lawmen.



The JCF is appealing to The Independent Commission of Investigations to add its influential voice to the call for all citizens to obey the laws, shun criminal activities and for armed suspects to surrender peacefully to law enforcement when accosted. This guarantees the safety of both civilians and the police.



The police will continue to observe proper respect for human rights and will be relentless in their crime fighting initiatives.



The police is also seeking the support and patience of all citizens and urges anyone with information to contact the Police 119 emergency number, Crime Stop at 311, Operation Kingfish at 811 or the nearest police station.



FOR MORE STORIES WATCH:

Like our new Facebook page:

Gleaner Jamaica



Follow us on Twitter:

@JamaicaGleaner



Email: onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com