Four people were arrested in Antigua after separate police operations that uncovered two firearms, ammunition and quantities of cannabis.[1] The most significant seizure came during an early-morning raid at Green Bay Hill on Friday, September 4, where officers executed a search warrant at a property.[1] The operation involved members of the Criminal Investigations Department Task Force, the Gang and Guns Suppression Unit and the K-9 Unit.[1] Two firearms and several rounds of ammunition were found during the search.[1] Officers also seized a licence plate, quantities of Eastern Caribbean and United States currency, several cellular phones, articles of clothing, a Nikon camera and other items for further investigation.[1] Three people who were at the property were arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and taken into custody at the St. John’s Police Station.[1]
Police conducted mobile patrols and stop-and-search exercises in Briggins, Belmont, Bellevue Heights and Bathlodge as part of Operation Restore Confidence.[1] Officers searched a vehicle and discovered 55.2 grams of cannabis.[1] A search of the driver’s residence found an additional 1.4 pounds of cannabis and a flare gun.[1] The driver was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis and the items were seized as investigations continue.[1] Police impounded a vehicle after it was found to be unlicensed and uninsured.[1]
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda described the seizures as the result of operations under Operation Restore Confidence.[2] The force said Operation Restore Confidence will continue, with officers maintaining increased patrols and carrying out intelligence-led searches aimed at removing illegal firearms, ammunition and controlled substances from the streets.[1]
