Authorities are praising the use of cutting-edge cargo inspection technology following what is being called Jamaica’s largest-ever gun and ammunition seizure. Over 220 illegal firearms and thousands of rounds were intercepted inside an industrial water heater at a Kingston warehouse. The Jamaica Customs Agency, working alongside the police, credited advanced scanning systems and intelligence-driven strategies for the success, reinforcing their commitment to disrupting the illegal arms trade.

Massive gun find at Kingston warehouse

Authorities making regular seizures in 2025/Jamaica Gleaner/29 May 2025

THE POLICE are expected to provide “accurate” details today about what has been described by law-enforcement insiders as the largest seizure of illegal guns and ammunition in Jamaica’s history.

Multiple law-enforcement sources disclosed that at least 220 guns – mainly pistols – and thousands of assorted bullets were seized at a facility in Kingston yesterday during a joint operation conducted by several police units.

The guns and ammunition were intercepted by members of the security forces and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) inside an industrial-size water heater at a warehouse on Industrial Terrace in west Kingston, Radio Jamaica News reported, citing sources.

It’s believed that there were four other water heaters in the same shipment which originated in the United States, the radio station reported.

There was no official confirmation from the leadership of the police force up to late yesterday.

“The JCF will issue an accurate public statement tomorrow (today),” a highly placed source disclosed.

However, sources revealed that investigators were expected to work late into the night to ensure that every gun and ammunition is counted.

There are indications, according to sources, that the number of guns intercepted surpasses 220, while the amount of ammunition is expected to exceed 10,000 rounds.

It is the second major gun find by the security forces and Customs agency in almost two months.

Twenty-four pistols, six rifles, 102 rounds of ammunition and 32 magazines were seized at a warehouse on Marcus Garvey Drive, also in west Kingston, on March 18, the police confirmed at the time.

The police said a joint team, including the JCA, intercepted the arms cache while conducting security screenings at the warehouse.

From December to March, the Jamaica Constabulary Force and JCA seized 148 illegal firearms and approximately 8,000 assorted rounds shipped from the United States to legitimate ports of entry.

During that time, there have been at least three major gun busts at the wharves in Kingston.

Earlier this year, the JCA issued a warning to gun smugglers, stating that its successful interdictions underscore the agency’s relentless pursuit of national security and its ongoing efforts to disrupt the illegal arms trade.

“These seizures come after Jamaica Customs assumed full responsibility for nonintrusive cargo inspections in July 2024. With enhanced oversight, advanced cargo inspection technology, and intelligence-driven strategies, the agency has significantly strengthened its ability to detect and prevent illicit shipments,” the JCA said.

The JCA also maintained that the latest interceptions highlight the effectiveness of the its modern inspection systems and the diligence of its team.

“With cutting-edge cargo inspection technology and collaboration with local and international law enforcement, our message is clear: ‘Send food and not weapons. If you attempt to smuggle weapons through our ports, we will find them,’” the JCA said.

On March 26, a Manchester bar operator and her two sons were arrested in relation to a shipment of arms from the US.

The Gleaner understands the trio were arrested in Kingsland in the parish following an operation by the security forces.

The operation was spearheaded by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division.

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.