Sergeant Peter Salkey, communication liaison officer for the St James Police Division, shows one of two illegal weapons and ammunition which were seized during a police operation in Mount Salem, Montego Bay, on Tuesday. - Christopher Thomas

WESTERN BUREAU:

Two days into the start of the new year, the St James police have made a dent in their fight against gun violence in the Mount Salem community in Montego Bay as two illegal guns and several rounds of ammunition were seized.

During a police operation on Tuesday, an AK-47 rifle with ninety 7.62mm cartridges, an Intra-Tek 9mm pistol with seven 9mm rounds, and twenty 5.56mm cartridges were found in bags stored at a house along Brunswick Avenue in Mount Salem. A ballistic vest and three masks were also found at the premises. However, no one was arrested in connection with the seizure.

"A special operation was carried out in the Mount Salem area by members of the security forces in the parish. They searched a number of premises on a number of avenues in that area and they went to premises on Brunswick Avenue about 4 p.m., where they made this find," Sergeant Peter Salkey, communication liaison officer for the St James Police Division, said in a press conference yesterday.

Sgt Salkey said the operation is part of an ongoing effort of the St James police to rid the streets of illegal weapons.

"The members of the security forces are really passionate about causing St James to be a safer place. We need to work in partnership with the members of the public, therefore;work with us, and we can make this place a better place," he said.

Mount Salem has been the subject of several incidents of criminal activities in recent times. On New Year's Day, the police shot and killed an unidentified 20-year-old man who reportedly engaged them in a shoot-out in the community.