One jailed, two others charged as police seize more illegal firearms and ammo

THE Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has made a recent seizure of three illegal firearms and 36 rounds of ammunition as they continue to step up efforts aimed at clearing the streets of illegal firearms. Three persons were arrested and charged in connection of the seizure, and one has since been sentenced to seven years in prison. The police said in a release that the recent seizures were made over a period of five days through a series of targeted operations, “demonstrating our unwavering commitment to public safety and law enforcement”.

OLANDO BURGIN was charged for being in possession of a 9mm pistol, and 17 rounds of ammunition.

Two of those arrested and charged in connection with the seizure pleaded guilty when they were taken before the court, and one pled not guilty and was granted bail.

Jamal Hutchins, a 33 year old labourer of Bequia was arrested on July 19,2024, and charged for being in possession of a Glock pistol, and 16 rounds of ammunition on July 18, 2024.When Hutchins appeared before the magistrate on July 21, he pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of EC$10,000 with the condition that he reports to the Port Elizabeth Police Station every Monday between 8 a.m and 8 p.m.

Kesroy Williams was arrested and charged on July 21,2024, for being in possession of a .38 pistol and three rounds of .38 ammunition. The 26 year old labourer of Belair pleaded guilty when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court, and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He will be sentenced on August 6, 2024.

The police arrested Olando Burgin, a 40 year old labourer of Lowmans Leeward on July 22, 2024, and charged him with possession of a 9mm pistol, and 17 rounds of ammunition in Sandy Bay.When Burgin appeared at the Serious Offences Court on July 24, he pleaded guilty to the offense and was remanded in custody. Yesterday, Thursday July 25, 2024, Burgin was sentenced to one year in prison on the ammunition charge, and six years on the firearm charge. He, however, will serve six years as the sentences were handed down to run concurrently.

The police said in the release that the recent seizures follow their July 17,2024 press conference in which the Acting Commissioner of Police, Enville Williams gave an overview of the 92 day National Firearm Amnesty which ended on May 31, 2024, during which a total of 18 illegal firearms and 327 rounds of ammunition were surrendered.