A businessman and a woman said to be his accomplice are in custody, following the seizure of 13 imitation rifles and an imitation pistol in White River, St. Mary yesterday.

Their names are being withheld pending further investigations.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force said the arrests are linked to an ongoing multi-million-dollar fraud investigation led by Detectives from the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigations Branch (C-TOC).

The two suspects are facing charges of breaching the Firearms and the Proceeds of Crime Acts.

According to Lawmen, C-TOC Personnel joined by Members of the Specialized Operations Branch, were on operation between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., when a premises was searched and the imitation firearms were seized.

Head of C-TOC Superintendent Victor Barrett highlighted the significance of the arrests and emphasized the role of community partnership in the fight against crime.

Superintendent Barrett said there are criminal groups intent on undermining the safety and stability of the island’s communities.

He said they will use imitation firearms as a deliberate tactic to intimidate citizens and commit crimes.

Superintendent Barrett noted that it remains the Constabulary’s duty to ensure they are removed from the streets, and the perpetrators are brought to justice.