Mandeville Teen Among Three Charged in Kingston Gun Trafficking Investigation

Kingston, Jamaica – Three individuals, including a 16-year-old from Mandeville, Manchester, have been charged under the Law Reform and Firearm Act following a coordinated police operation on Wednesday.

The operation, conducted by personnel from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), the Area 3 Fugitive Apprehension Team, and the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), stems from an ongoing investigation into a significant arms and ammunition seizure at a logistics facility in Newport West, Kingston, on March 19.

During the March 19 seizure, authorities discovered 11 pistols, 50 magazines, and over 300 rounds of ammunition, sparking a wide-ranging investigation aimed at dismantling criminal networks trafficking weapons across the island.

According to police reports, the 16-year-old and another man have been charged with possession of identity information under the Law Reform (Fraudulent Transactions Special Provisions) Act, 2013. A woman was also charged with possession of unauthorized ammunition under the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction, and Regulation) Act, 2022.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Samuel Blake, head of the FNID, stated that efforts to combat arms trafficking and organized crime are intensifying.

“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 SSP Blake.

Authorities believe the operation is a critical step toward weakening organized crime syndicates operating islandwide. The police have vowed to continue their crackdown on the illegal arms trade, emphasizing collaboration between law enforcement agencies to enhance the effectiveness of their efforts.

Investigations remain ongoing as the authorities seek to uncover further connections within the criminal networks involved.