_ROYAL POLICE FORCE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA_
_Office of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM)_
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
_POLICE INTENSIFY CRIME-FIGHTING EFFORTS UNDER “OPERATION RESTORE CONFIDENCE”_
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has intensified its crime-fighting efforts across the country with the launch of a series of coordinated operations dubbed “Operation Restore Confidence.”
During the exercise, several intelligence-led operations were conducted in various communities and known crime hotspots. These operations involved the execution of search warrants, mobile patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCP’S), and stop-and-search exercises targeting illegal firearms, ammunition, drugs, stolen property, and persons of interest in ongoing criminal investigations.
In one of the major operations conducted during the early hours of Sunday, the police seized one Astra CUB .25 calibre pistol, along with several rounds of matching ammunition.
Three persons who were present at the premises were arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and taken into custody.
The Police also seized suspected stolen licence plates and other items of interest, while several persons were detained for questioning in connection with ongoing investigations.
Operation Restore Confidence involves personnel from several departments and specialist units of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, including the Criminal Investigations Department Task Force, K-9 Unit, Narcotics Department, Special Services Unit, A and B Divisions, Proceeds of Crime Unit, Forensic Evidence Recovery Unit, and Traffic Department.
The Police Administration wishes to reassure the public that Operation Restore Confidence is not a one-off exercise. Similar intelligence-led and targeted operations will continue across Antigua and Barbuda as the police seek to disrupt criminal networks, remove illegal firearms and ammunition from the streets, apprehend persons involved in criminal activity, and improve the overall safety and security of communities.
Members of the public are also encouraged to support the efforts of the police by sharing information concerning illegal firearms and ammunition, stolen property, or other criminal activity.
All information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Anyone with information that may assist the police is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or 462-3914, Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).
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This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Police Launch “Operation Restore Confidence” to Target Guns and Criminal Networks.