The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda says criminals are attempting to smuggle firearms into the country by dismantling the weapons and shipping them in separate pieces, a tactic authorities say they are already tracking.
Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers warned that both the individuals sending firearm components and those receiving them locally are under scrutiny, stressing that law enforcement is monitoring movements linked to the illegal trade.
Jeffers’ comments come amid broader police efforts to tighten intelligence-gathering and strengthen cooperation with communities, as authorities acknowledge that criminal networks are adapting their methods to evade detection. Police officials say information-sharing and public cooperation remain critical, noting that law enforcement cannot be everywhere at once.
The police force has been urging residents to report suspicious activity through established channels, assuring the public that tips play a key role in disrupting organized crime and preventing illegal firearms from entering the country.
