The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says 17 offenders received a combined total of over 250 years in custodial sentences  for firearm offences during the first quarter of this year.

According to the JCF it has intensified operations against illegal firearms saying it has received strong validation from the judicial system. 

The police say investigations and enforcement efforts continue. 

Between January 1 and March 31 this year, 175 firearms were recovered across the island including 32 seized at ports by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID). 

Of these, 99 firearms were seized from 140 assailants in 93 incidents while 44 were recovered with no individual charged. 

In the first quarter of 2026, 80 individuals were charged with firearm possession. 

This group included 63 males aged 17 to 75 and 17 females aged 19 to 58. 

The police say the females arrested represented various occupations such as assistant teacher, surgical technician, customer service representative and hairdresser.

Island-wide, police laid 595 charges under the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act in the first quarter. 

The most common offences were possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition and use of a prohibited weapon to commit a felony. 

By division, St. Andrew South recorded the highest number of firearm-related arrests and charges with 60 cases followed by St. James with 54 and Hanover with 45. 

The quarter saw several successful convictions, with six of the 17 convicted individuals receiving life sentences. 

Some must serve between 10 and 21 years before parole eligibility. 

Head of the Criminal Investigations Branch Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Wayne Josephs attributed these results to focused operations, improved investigative standards and stronger inter-agency coordination.

He added that “the JCFcontinues to strengthen its case-building capacity, ensuring that matters brought before the courts are comprehensive, evidence-based and aligned with legislative provisions regarding firearm offences. 

He noted that the sustained success of the first quarter of 2026 sends a clear message: illegal firearms and those who traffic, possess or use them will be relentlessly pursued by the police and brought before the courts,

The JCF said it maintains a strong stance on illegal firearms through intensified, intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling organised crime syndicates. 

The public is encouraged to support efforts to remove illegal weapons by providing credible information. individuals can call crime stop anonymously at 311, the police emergency number at 119 or their nearest police station