The police have reported that high-powered weapons and several rounds of ammunition have been seized during joint police/military operations carried out in Clarendon and St James within the last 24 hours.

During a targeted operation in Hayes, Clarendon early Monday morning, the Clarendon Police seized a shotgun and eight cartridges.

One man has been arrested.

Meanwhile, the St James Police seized two high-powered rifles, a sub-machine gun, and a quantity of ammunition during a joint police/military operation in Canterbury, St James this morning.

Last month Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson outlined that over 320 firearms have been seized since the start of 2022 which represents a startling three percent increase when compared to the corresponding period of 2021 where a total of 314 weapons were seized.

Commissioner Anderson also stated that there is also a 42 per cent increase in ammunition seizures when compared to the corresponding period.

In addition to the increase in gun seizures, Major Anderson also highlighted a significant increase in murders with gang conflicts accounting for 76 per cent of murders, interpersonal conflicts accounting for 14 per cent, while 7 per cent occurred in furtherance of criminal acts. Mob killings accounted for 1 per cent, and 3 per cent is still being determined.