分类： society

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – In a significant breakthrough, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has successfully recaptured fugitive Donte Hunkins, marking the conclusion of an extensive month-long search operation. The apprehension occurred on Saturday, January 31, 2026, when law enforcement officers located Hunkins hiding within an abandoned structure in the Whenner Road district.

Hunkins, who had previously escaped from lawful custody, was taken into police custody without incident. Authorities confirmed he is currently cooperating with ongoing investigations related to fraud charges alongside the additional serious charge of escaping lawful custody.

In a related development, officers discovered a 17-year-old female at the same location during the operation. She has likewise been detained as part of the continuing investigation, though her specific involvement remains under examination by investigators.

The Police Administration issued an official statement expressing profound gratitude to community members for their vital assistance throughout the investigation. Public cooperation proved instrumental in generating actionable intelligence that ultimately led to the successful location and capture of the suspect, demonstrating effective collaboration between law enforcement and citizens.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by Antiguan and Barbudan authorities to maintain public safety and judicial integrity, particularly concerning individuals who attempt to evade the legal system. The successful resolution of this manhunt reinforces the importance of community-police partnerships in addressing criminal activities.

In a significant judicial outcome for Antigua and Barbuda’s law enforcement efforts, 25-year-old Grays Farm resident Aadham O’Garro has been handed a prison sentence for firearms violations. The conviction was delivered at St. John’s Magistrate Court on Friday, where Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel presided over the case.

O’Garro entered a guilty plea on charges of illegal possession of both a firearm and ammunition. The court imposed a two-year custodial sentence for the firearm offense and an additional one-year term for ammunition possession, with both sentences ordered to run concurrently.

This successful prosecution stems from a coordinated police operation conducted in the Green Bay vicinity on January 24. During the tactical operation, law enforcement officials confiscated a Glock 17 9mm pistol alongside fifteen rounds of corresponding ammunition. O’Garro was one of three individuals apprehended and detained during this security initiative.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda emphasized the operation demonstrates their continued commitment to combating illegal weapons circulation through strategic interventions and inter-agency cooperation. This sentencing occurs amid broader regional efforts to address firearm-related crimes in Caribbean communities.

A potential disaster was averted on Nugent Avenue this Saturday afternoon thanks to prompt intervention from bystanders. Emergency services were dispatched to the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Headquarters following reports of a fire, only to discover that vigilant members of the public had already extinguished the flames before their arrival.

The St. John’s Fire Station received the emergency alert at precisely 2:13 p.m., according to Inspector Bagot. Fire tenders No. 17 and No. 19 were immediately deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered several burnt wooden pallets that had been successfully doused by civilians, eliminating the need for any firefighting equipment deployment.

While the quick-thinking actions prevented a more serious incident, the southern wall of the political party’s headquarters did sustain noticeable heat and smoke damage. Authorities have confirmed that no injuries resulted from the incident, marking a fortunate outcome given the circumstances.

The St. John’s Fire Brigade has launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. The incident highlights both the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of emergency response systems, even when the immediate danger has been neutralized before official assistance arrives.

A motorist has issued a stark public warning following the brazen theft of an iPhone from his parked vehicle, despite his close proximity to the car at the time of the incident. The victim reported that the device was swiftly snatched and subsequently tracked using Apple’s integrated location services, leading him to the Diamond Ice Supermarket vicinity on All Saints Road. At this location, unauthorized attempts to bypass the device’s security protocols were detected.

During the investigation, the perpetrator allegedly utilized the stolen device to place a call to the victim’s girlfriend, adding further distress to the situation. The pursuit culminated successfully with the iPhone’s recovery near the Public Market, preventing permanent loss.

Identifying a potential suspect frequently observed in the ZDK district, the victim shared his experience primarily to caution fellow citizens. He emphasized the alarming vulnerability of personal possessions, noting that even momentary lapses in vehicle supervision—such as brief errands or short-distance tasks—can present lucrative opportunities for opportunistic criminals. This incident underscores the critical need for heightened vigilance regarding valuables left in vehicles, regardless of the intended duration of absence.

A commercial establishment in Villa was thrust into a state of terror following an armed robbery perpetrated by two masked individuals. The incident, which unfolded with alarming speed, involved the suspects brandishing firearms to intimidate employees and patrons before making off with an undisclosed amount of cash and valuables.

Local law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation, cordoning off the scene to gather forensic evidence, including potential security camera footage and witness testimonies. Preliminary reports indicate the perpetrators entered the premises with their faces concealed, suggesting a premeditated act aimed at avoiding identification. Their swift and aggressive methodology points to a potential familiarity with the location or a pattern of similar criminal activities in the region.

The psychological impact on witnesses and staff is being assessed, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the apprehension of the culprits. This event has ignited concerns within the local business community regarding security protocols and the necessity for enhanced protective measures against escalating criminal tactics.

Authorities at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua have successfully intercepted a second significant cannabis shipment within a remarkably short 24-hour timeframe, signaling intensified enforcement operations at the nation’s primary aerial gateway.

The latest interdiction occurred at the airport’s Custom Cargo Shed facility on Saturday, January 31, 2026, marking the second major drug seizure in under a day. This operation follows Thursday’s successful confiscation of approximately thirteen pounds of cannabis, which carried an estimated street value of EC$79,200 according to official valuations.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, through its Strategic Communications Office, confirmed both operations but maintained that comprehensive investigations remain actively ongoing. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the quantity or value of the most recently seized contraband, nor have they revealed potential leads regarding trafficking networks or suspects connected to either interception.

These consecutive seizures demonstrate heightened vigilance among customs and border protection units at Antigua’s principal international airport. The strategic location of the Caribbean nation makes it vulnerable to transnational drug trafficking operations, prompting authorities to strengthen surveillance and inspection protocols for both passenger and cargo transportation channels.

The successful operations reflect the government’s continued commitment to combating illicit drug trade through its borders, though officials emphasize that investigations require further development before additional details can be publicly disclosed.