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Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 21, 2015 (RSCNPF): The total of illegal firearms seized by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force to date has increased to sixteen (16) as a result of a successful search operation in the Sandy Point Police District early this morning.

According to Police records 12 illegal firearms were seized in 2014.

The operation carried out by the Special Services Unit with support from Officers of Division “B” netted the illegal firearm during the execution of a Search Warrant on a residence in Sandy Point occupied by Davereen Brownbill and Chavez Nital.  During the search, one loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and three (3) rounds of ammunition and a quantity of dried marijuana was found in the house.

Both men have been arrested and charged for the 1) Possession of an illegal firearm, 2) Possession of ammunition, 3) Possession of Cannabis ( Marijuana) and 4) Possession of Cannabis (marijuana) with intent to supply.

According to Division “B” Commander, Superintendent Cromwell Henry,  “the operation was a part of the Police’s ongoing targeted and intelligence led operations, specifically geared towards the finding and seizure of illegal firearms and drugs.” The Divisional Commander continued, “I would like to thank the public for their continued cooperation and partnership as we continue the fight against crime.”

The significance of another illegal firearm seizure was highlighted by Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Crime Ian Queeley.  “Our continued vigilance in the search for and removal of illegal firearms from our communities is critical. It is one of the elements and deliverables in our ‘Six Point Plan’ for the reduction of crime, the seriousness of this is underscored, when you consider that last night, a young man was shot and seriously injured in the Phillip’s area.  We must rid our communities of these illegal firearms and it will take the assistance of our communities to do so,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley.

The Violent Crime Unit (VCU) has reported that sometime after 7.00 pm last night (Tuesday, October, 20), 21 year old Shakeem Mitchum- Cranston alias ” Nozzle” formerly of College Street Ghaut was shot in Phillip’s Village. Initial reports indicate that Mitchum- Cranstoun was approached by three (3) persons in dark clothing while washing his hands at a stand pipe. The individuals had firearms in their hands and discharged the firearms in his direction hitting him several times.  Police and medical services responded to the scene and the victim was taken to the Joseph N. France General Hospital where he was treated and is in critical but stable condition.  The investigation is ongoing, and the public is asked to contact the police with any information they may have.

ACP Queeley continues his appeal to the public for information with regards to crime and said, “If you have seen something, if you have heard something as it relates to this or any violent crime, or any criminal activity, tell someone. Call the Basseterre or Charlestown Police Station or any police station with your information. You can also do so anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847 (TIPS),” he stressed.