On August 16, 2026, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda announced a major nationwide escalation of law enforcement actions through a new coordinated initiative named “Operation Restore Confidence”, aimed at dismantling criminal networks and rebuilding public trust in community safety. \n\nThe operation centers on intelligence-driven interventions deployed across residential communities and long-identified crime hotspots throughout the country. Tactical actions carried out as part of the initiative include the execution of court-authorized search warrants, heightened mobile foot and vehicle patrols, strategically placed vehicle checkpoints, and targeted stop-and-search procedures. All activities are focused on rooting out illegal weapons, illicit narcotics, stolen property, and locating persons of interest linked to open criminal investigations.\n\nIn one high-impact raid carried out in the early hours of Sunday morning, law enforcement officers recovered an Astra CUB .25 caliber pistol and a stock of matching ammunition from a targeted location. Three individuals found at the premises were taken into custody on suspicion of violating national firearms laws by illegally possessing the weapon and ammunition. Beyond the firearms seizure, the operation also uncovered suspected stolen license plates and other evidence relevant to ongoing cases, with multiple additional individuals detained for further questioning in connection to unrelated investigations.\n\n“Operation Restore Confidence” draws on specialized resources and personnel from across multiple departments of the Royal Police Force, including the Criminal Investigations Department Task Force, K-9 Unit, Narcotics Department, Special Services Unit, territorial A and B Divisions, Proceeds of Crime Unit, Forensic Evidence Recovery Unit, and Traffic Department, demonstrating a whole-of-force commitment to reducing crime.\n\nIn a formal public statement, police administration emphasized that the initiative is not a temporary, one-time crackdown. Moving forward, targeted, intelligence-led operations will continue on an ongoing basis across both islands of Antigua and Barbuda. The long-term goals of the operation include disrupting organized criminal activity, removing dangerous illegal firearms and ammunition from public streets, taking offenders into custody, and raising the overall level of safety and security for all local communities.\n\nPolice officials are also calling on members of the public to partner with law enforcement in these efforts, urging residents to share any information they have about illegal weapons, stolen property, or other criminal activity. All tips provided will be handled with the strictest confidentiality to protect the identity of contributors. \n\nResidents with information that can assist ongoing investigations are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department directly at 462-3913 or 462-3914, or reach the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).
Police Launch “Operation Restore Confidence” to Target Guns and Criminal Networks
