The police say the recovery of 73 illegal guns since the start of the year represents a 'drop in the bucket'.

"What we need to do is make sure we get the message out there that these guns do not protect communities," said Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Les Green during a press briefing yesterday. "They are the cause and the root of the problem, so we need to make sure we can remove those guns from those communities."

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dean Taylor, of Operation Kingfish, also made an appeal for persons in rural communities to look out for unfamiliar faces. Using the Haitian-Jamaican guns for drugs trade as an example, the crime-fighting unit has revealed an increase in activity. DSP Taylor said four Haitians have been arrested and charged over the past two weeks for illegal possession of a firearm and illegal entry. A Jamaican, who was held with the men, was charged under the Proceeds of Crime Act for the possession of US$26,000.

"Another real threat, too, is the Haitian guns for drugs trade; it's real, it's something that is in front of us and we have to confront it. We (are) just asking you guys to add that to your message, as soon as you see these Haitians coming into your communities, get the message to us," said DSP Taylor.

Cop to answer shooting charge

Meanwhile, Constable Raul Khoury, who was charged with breaches of the Firearms Act and shooting with intent, is to appear in court on February 19 to answer the charges.

Orville Spence, 22 years old of Hopewell, and 34-year-old Clive Atkinson of Bogue Village in Hanover, were also charged with illegal possession of a firearm.

The charges relate to an incident which occurred on Monday, December 17, 2007, during a police/military operation in Bogue Village.

It is reported that during the exercise a Toyota Camry motor car with three men aboard was stopped.

The car was searched and three guns, including a home-made handgun and several rounds of ammunition were seized. The Gleaner understands that one of the guns was an exhibit in a case before the courts. The police are still investigating how the firearm came to be in the men's possession.