Prime Minister Gaston Browne says law enforcement authorities have removed 44 illegal firearms from the streets of Antigua and Barbuda during the first eight months of 2026.

Browne said the number of weapons confiscated raises serious concerns about how many illegal guns may still be circulating throughout the country.

“If, after almost eight months, we have confiscated as many as 44, you can imagine how many illegal firearms” remain on the streets, Browne said.

The prime minister said authorities have examined the possible sources of the weapons and developed strategies to address the problem. However, he declined to disclose operational details.

His comments came as he reported a 33% increase in firearm-related crimes, from 18 cases in 2025 to 24 so far this year.

Browne said the figures may appear low compared with those recorded in other countries, but the level of gun crime remains unacceptable for Antigua and Barbuda.

“We’re not accustomed to that level of firearms on the streets,” he said, citing their use in robberies and killings.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: Police Seize 44 Illegal Firearms in Nearly Eight Months, PM Says Strategy in place.