Jamaica seizes a record-breaking 233 illegal firearms in a Kingston warehouse, marking a major victory in the country’s fight against gun trafficking while authorities maintain secrecy about the operation’s details to protect ongoing international investigations.
At a Glance
- Jamaican authorities intercepted 233 illegal firearms and over 40,000 rounds of ammunition in the largest weapons seizure in the nation’s history
- The government is withholding specific details to protect a sensitive cross-border investigation into the origin of the weapons
- Prime Minister Andrew Holness credits improved scanning technology, international partnerships, and enhanced customs measures for the successful operation
- Jamaica has experienced a historic 43% drop in murders since last year, reaching the lowest rate since 1991
- Criminologist Jason McKay suggests extreme measures, including potential capital punishment, may be necessary to combat gun trafficking
Record-Breaking Firearms Seizure
Jamaican law enforcement agencies have made history with the seizure of 233 illegal firearms and over 40,000 rounds of ammunition from a Kingston warehouse. This unprecedented operation represents the largest weapons confiscation in Jamaica’s history and highlights the nation’s intensified efforts to combat illegal gun trafficking. According to unconfirmed reports, the firearms were concealed inside an industrial-sized water heater. The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) intercepted the shipment, which originated from the United States, at the Marcus Garvey Port in Kingston as part of an intelligence-led operation.
The Jamaican government is maintaining strict confidentiality about specific details of the seizure, with Deputy Prime Minister Horace Chang emphasizing the need for discretion. “The more we talk about it, the less likely we are to find [those responsible],” Chang stated, adding that “In fact, too much information [has] already gone out.” This level of secrecy underscores the sensitivity of the ongoing cross-border investigation aimed at identifying the origin of the weapons and apprehending those involved in the trafficking network.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang has confirmed that 233 illegal firearms, which were being smuggled into the country, were intercepted at one of the nation’s port this week.
The bust included 74 rifles and 159 handguns, as well as over… pic.twitter.com/41R2xsj2jB
— Jamaica Observer (@JamaicaObserver) May 29, 2025
Enhanced Security Measures Yield Results
The substantial weapons seizure reflects Jamaica’s significant investment in security infrastructure and technology. Prime Minister Andrew Holness attributed the success to a 50 billion Jamaican dollars (£231 million) investment in security and organized crime efforts. The implementation of advanced scanning technology at ports, stronger international partnerships, and improved intelligence-gathering capabilities have dramatically enhanced the country’s ability to intercept illegal contraband before it enters circulation.
“This Government is serious about dismantling the foundations of violent crime,” said Dr. the Hon. Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security. “These firearm seizures including one of the largest gun busts in the nation’s history are evidence of our intelligence-led, multi-agency approach to crime fighting. We are removing the tools of violence from our streets and putting criminals on notice.”
The Jamaica Customs Agency has strengthened its capabilities through increased use of non-intrusive inspection systems and intelligence-driven risk assessment protocols. These enhanced measures have yielded impressive results, with this seizure following a previous bust in January that netted 66 firearms. The agency has adopted a firm stance against weapons trafficking, declaring, “We want to make it abundantly clear—Jamaica Customs will not relent in its efforts to prevent illegal firearms from entering our country.”
Positive Impact on Crime Statistics
Jamaica’s aggressive approach to combating illegal firearms has contributed to a remarkable improvement in crime statistics. The murder rate has decreased by 43.3% from January 1 to May 28, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, marking the lowest first-quarter figures since 2001. The country is on track to achieve a murder rate of approximately 24 per 100,000 population, the lowest since 1991, representing a significant milestone in Jamaica’s fight against violent crime.
The improved security situation has not gone unnoticed internationally. The U.S. Government has revised its travel advisory for Jamaica from Tier 3 to Tier 2, reflecting the enhanced public safety conditions in the country. This adjustment signals growing confidence in Jamaica’s security apparatus and may positively impact tourism, a crucial sector for the nation’s economy.
Challenges and Calls for Stronger Measures
Despite the progress, Jamaica continues to face significant challenges in controlling the flow of illegal firearms. Criminologist Jason McKay emphasized the severity of the threat, noting that the volume of weapons seized could arm a small army and substantially impact crime rates. McKay advocates for extreme measures to address gun trafficking, suggesting that capital punishment might serve as a necessary deterrent given the scale of the problem and its potential consequences for national security.
The New York attorney general has introduced measures to combat gun trafficking from the US to the Caribbean, addressing a pipeline that reportedly channels approximately 200 guns monthly to Jamaica. This cross-border cooperation is essential, as many of the illegal firearms in Jamaica originate from the United States. The recent seizure underscores the importance of international partnerships in disrupting trafficking networks that span multiple countries.
As Jamaica continues its fight against illegal firearms, Prime Minister Holness remains resolute in the government’s commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises. “We will overcome organised criminal enterprises and dismantle the structures of organised violence in Jamaica,” he declared, emphasizing the nation’s determination to create a safer environment for its citizens through continued investment in security infrastructure, stronger legislation, and smarter enforcement strategies.
