Nagra Plunkett and Neville Paul, Gleaner Writers

These eight AK-47 rifles were among a cache of 10 weapons recovered by the police in St. Elizabeth yesterday. Four men were arrested in connection with the seizure. - Photo by Analee Bernard

WESTERN BUREAU:

The seizure of 10 illegal firearms - eight AK-47 rifles and two revolvers - at Great Bay Fishing Beach in St. Elizabeth yesterday has been linked to the drug-for-gun smuggling ring between Jamaica and sections of Central America.

"It (the racket) has always been around. We are getting more information now on the issue," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Leslie Green, head of Organised Crime.

"While the drug-for-gun ring is significant in the importation of arms in Jamaica, there are still concerns about the ports. It's early stages yet but we are indeed looking to find the person behind the importation of these arms."

Four fishermen were also detained in connection with the seizure of the high-powered weapons, one .38 revolver, a .357 magnum revolver, 75 assorted rounds of ammunition and eight magazines. A Jamaican passport was among the items taken from the boat during the operation.

Charged with illegal possession of firearm and ammunition are 57-year-old Arden Ebanks of Mitchell Town, Clarendon; Alvin Ashby, 31; Carlington Parchment, 26, and 32-year-old Bryan Parchment, all of Newell addresses in St. Elizabeth.

Reports are that at about 3:00 a.m. the police, acting on intelligence, went to the Great Bay Fishing Beach where they observed four men unloading the weapons from a boat, named 'Destiny'.

Attempted to bury weapons

The men were reportedly observed taking the weapons to a house, where they attempted to bury them.

The police surprised them and several persons ran from the house. The four accused men were subsequently cornered.

Superintendent Maurice Robinson, commanding officer for St. Elizabeth, said he believes the weapons were en route from Haiti, adding that they will be working closely with the Marine Police and Black River Coastguard to aggressively supervise the island's south-western coast.

Correspondent Analee Bernard contributed to this story.