Open borders to blame for influx of illegal firearms – ACP

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ porous borders, coupled with our limited coastguard resources is the main reason why there has been an influx of illegal firearms to this country.

“Now as you would recognize, we have limited coastguard resources and while coastguard is doing a tremendous job in trying to patrol the shores it is highly impossible for them to do that; so you would find in our open shores, illegal firearms {{more}}would be coming through,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and officer in charge of crime Frankie Joseph, in an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday.

He added that as a result, persons who traffic drugs on the high seas exchange firearms instead of collecting monies for their illegal goods.

“Whether to guard their plantations or to sell and so forth; so hence you will have the increase in illegal firearms,” he commented.

Joseph, however, added that the constabulary has been making strides as it relates to seizing illegal firearms and making arrests in Glen, which is known to be one of the hot spots for these activities.

Over the past few months, a number of men have appeared before the court of law, charged with the possession of firearms and or ammunition, most of whom reside in the Villa/Glen area.

And with the homicide toll reaching 34 on Monday when Allanzo ‘Cracky’ Kydd, 23, was gunned down, the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines has placed full attention on the area.(AS)