233 guns, 40,000 rounds: Jamaica uncovers one of its largest firearms busts

Jamaican authorities have seized what officials are calling one of the largest illegal firearms shipments in the country’s history—233 guns and over 40,000 rounds of ammunition—uncovered during a joint operation earlier this week.

National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang confirmed early reports of the discovery during a Special Post-Cabinet Press Briefing on Thursday, crediting enhanced port scanning for the interception.

“We intercepted 233 firearms coming into the country,” Chang stated. “Special credit to increased scanning at our ports.”

He emphasized the severity of the find, noting the sheer volume of weapons had dangerous implications for public safety. “In this shipment, there were 233 firearms. That is more than a company—it can equip more than a company of soldiers. That going on our streets is designed to create mayhem.”

At the time of the briefing on Thursday, Chang said authorities were still tallying the ammunition, adding, “40,000 and counting—and there’s more.”

The weapons, which include a mix of rifles and handguns, are believed to have originated in the United States. The bust was made possible by a joint effort involving the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA).

Minister of Education and Information Senator Dana Dixon provided updated figures from the commissioner of customs: 74 rifles, 159 handguns, and more than 40,000 rounds of ammunition.

When asked how this incident compares to previous seizures, Police Commissioner Kevin Blake said, “I’m tempted to say it is the largest—we’re still doing our checks, but we believe so. But I’ll be cautious and say it is certainly one of the largest we’ve seen.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness also addressed the situation, directing a warning to those behind the smuggling operation. “I want to pause here to make an appeal to our Jamaicans overseas and those who are here collaborating in the importation of illegal weapons. We will find them, and we will find you. And we are serious about this.”

Investigations are ongoing. Authorities have not yet disclosed any arrests in connection with the bust.