ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – In a pair of early-morning law enforcement operations targeting illegal weapon proliferation across the islands, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has recovered an unregistered firearm, matching ammunition, and a concealed flare gun, while taking four suspects into official custody. The coordinated raids, carried out on Sunday, August 16 2026, targeted residential properties in the Villa and Gray Hill communities, marking the latest push in the force’s nationwide crackdown on unlicensed weapons.
The first operation launched just before 6 a.m., when a multi-unit team of specialized law enforcement personnel converged on a Villa residence to execute a judicially approved search warrant. The assembled group included members of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Task Force, the K-9 Unit, the Narcotics Department, the Special Services Unit, and the Forensics Evidence Recovery Unit. During the systematic search of the property, officers uncovered a loaded unregistered firearm alongside a cache of matching ammunition. All three people residing at the property were taken into custody immediately on suspicion of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, and were transported to the St. John’s Police Station to await further processing. The seized weapons and ammunition have been entered into evidence as the formal investigation progresses.
In a separate, simultaneous operation carried out the same day in Gray Hill, executing a second search warrant at a local residence, officers made a second weapons discovery. A hidden flare gun was found concealed inside the interior panel of a vehicle parked on the property. One individual at the residence was arrested in connection with the discovery and taken into police custody.
Law enforcement leadership emphasized that these high-profile seizures are not isolated actions, but part of a sustained, aggressive crime-reduction strategy designed to clear unlicensed and dangerous weapons from communities across Antigua and Barbuda. Police administration has reiterated its ongoing appeal for public collaboration, urging residents to come forward with any information about illegal weapons caches, unreported ammunition, or individuals engaged in weapons-related criminal activity.
Members of the public with tips that could assist ongoing investigations are encouraged to contact the CID directly at 462-3913 or 462-3914, reach the anonymous Crimestoppppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477), or visit their local nearest police station to share information. Police have confirmed that all submissions will be handled with the strictest confidentiality to protect the identity of cooperating witnesses. Investigations into both seizures remain active and ongoing as authorities work to build their cases against the detained suspects.