Customs seizes guns, firearm accessories smuggled through courier companies

The Jamaica Customs Agency is reporting that it has seen instances of persons attempting to smuggle illegal guns and firearm accessories into the country through courier companies.

The agency says since April it has seized 10 firearms, seven rifle scopes, two rifle stocks, and several other gun-related items during routine operations at warehouses at the Norman Manley International Airport.

It says these detections arose out of enhanced vigilance at ports of entry.

Further, customs says it has ramped up efforts to leverage advanced technology and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to detect and intercept illicit shipments.

“The agency's state-of-the-art scanning equipment and risk assessment tools play a crucial role in identifying suspicious cargo and thwarting attempts to smuggle contraband into the country," the agency said in a media release.

Touting its ability to detect and intercept concealed items in courier shipment, the agency is warning the public against the unlawful importation of firearms and accessories via courier companies.

Customs is also urging importers to adhere strictly to the laws and regulations governing the importation of firearms and related items, which include the requisite permits from the Ministry of National Security and emphasises the importance of compliance with established procedural and documentation requirements, as any attempts to circumvent these protocols will be met with decisive action.

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