Businessman, woman held after police seize 13 imitation rifles in St Mary raid

The police have arrested a businessman and a woman in St Mary after seizing 13 imitation rifles and an imitation pistol during an operation linked to a multi-million dollar fraud investigation.

The arrests, carried out on Saturday, in White River, are part of a wider probe being led by detectives from the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), a statement said.

The suspects are facing charges of breaching the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act.

According to police reports, C-TOC personnel, supported by the Specialised Operations Branch, conducted a search between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. at a premises where the imitation firearms were found.

The identities of the two individuals are being withheld pending further investigations.

Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett of C-TOC underscored the significance of the arrests and the importance of community partnership in dismantling organised crime groups.

“There are criminal groups intent on undermining the safety and stability of our communities. They will use imitation firearms as a deliberate tactic to intimidate citizens and commit crimes,

said Barrett. "It remains our duty to ensure they are removed from our streets and the perpetrators are brought to justice. We are urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue to support the police in disrupting criminal activities."

The public is being urged to report criminal activities by calling C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.

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