The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is reporting that a woman has been numbered among those from whom the police have confiscated six illegal firearms in separate incidents between April 8 and 16.
The gun seizure from the woman took place on April 11, during a raid in the Venetian Road area of Providenciales.
“On Monday April 11th, one female was arrested on suspicion of keeping firearm and ammunition, after police conducted an operation at a location along Venetian Road, Providenciales. During this operation, one illegal firearm with ammunition, as well as cell phones, jewelry and cash were recovered. This remains an active investigation,” the police said in a report.
The police also reported that on Saturday April 9th, they responded to a report of a firearm being discharged in the Downtown area of Providenciales.
“Investigations were undertaken into this report and resulted in one loaded firearm and another illegal firearm along with ammunition being found. This remains an active investigation,” the RTCIPF release further noted.
On April 15, the police, investigating a robbery, intercepted a motor vehicle along the Leeward Highway in Providenciales, where they confiscated a loaded gun and arrested the two occupants.
“Ammunition and illegal drugs were also found during these operations. As a result of these recoveries, one male has been charged and taken before the Court for Keeping an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He is currently on remand,” the police said.
The police said they also seized a number of suspected stolen items and made arrests.
“On Tuesday April 19th, police executed search warrants in the areas of Long Bay and Blue Hills, Providenciales. On Completion of the exercise in Long Bay, a number of items of evidential value was recovered for investigation purposes and one person was arrested.
“On Wednesday April 20, a policing operation led by the RTCIPF Tactical Unit executed search warrants at addresses in Blue Hills and Long Bay. One person was arrested, and property was recovered,” the police report continued.
The RTCIPF is also reporting that drugs have also been seized over the period and persons now before the courts as a result.
“Good work by our Customs colleagues, supported by the RTCIPF resulted in a Canadian citizen being arrested and charged and who is now remanded to appear before the court for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply and being knowingly concerned with fraudulent evasion under the Customs Ordinance, after being found with a quantity of controlled dugs, namely Cannabis, at the Providenciales International Airport on Monday, April 11, 2022.
“A 45-year-old is currently in police custody after he attempted to board a domestic flight at the Providenciales International Airport on Saturday, April 16th, with a quantity of illegal drugs namely, Cannabis and Cocaine, as well as an illegal firearm and ammunition.
“A security search was conducted on his luggage, along with a parcel he was carrying, which led to the discovery. This remains an active investigation,” the police report said.
In the meantime, the RTCIPF is assuring the public that they would be relentless in their quest to rid the Turks and Caicos Islands of criminal activities.
“RTCIPF Police Officers continue to undertake operations across the Turks and Caicos to locate and arrest criminals who are responsible for serious crimes, particularly on Providenciales.
“Whilst the public will not see much of this activity, RTCIPF wants to reassure our communities that we are working flat out to lock up the criminals terrorizing the TCI.
“These operations will continue unabated, and we remain determined to bring to justice those committing crime on the TCI,” the RTCIPF said.