ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Sept 7, CMC – Police say they have confiscated 45 firearms since the start of the year as law enforcement has stepped up the campaign to tackle the growing problem of illegal firearms in Antigua and Barbuda.
Assistant Commissioner Lisburn Michael said since the police launched Operation Restore Confidence in August, they have confiscated six firearms and 43 rounds of ammunition.
Michael said that the 45 firearms confiscated for the year were accompanied by 351 rounds of ammunition and is calling on law enforcement agencies to redouble their efforts in ensuring the continued success of the programme.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that effective Monday September 7, there will be an expanded police and military presence as the Government intensifies its response to gun crime, robberies and repeat offending.
Prime Minister Browne said he has instructed the Police Commissioner and the Chief of Defence Staff, Telbert Benjamin, to deploy Defence Force personnel alongside police officers on patrol.
Browne said the country requires “all hands on deck” and called for more visible and assertive patrols, noting that police and soldiers must be properly equipped to confront criminals carrying high-powered weapons.
Last weekend, the police said that officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department Task Force (CIDTF), Gang and Guns Suppression Unit (GAGSU), as well as the K-9 Unit executed a search warrant at a property at Green Bay Hill, seizing two firearms and several rounds of ammunition, along with quantities of Eastern Caribbean and United States currencies, several cellular phones, articles of clothing, a camera, and other items.
They said three people who were present at the property were arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of frearm and ammunition.
CMC/aj/ir2026