As revealed during yesterday’s press conference held at the Dominica Police Force headquarters, law enforcement has intercepted a total of 49 illegal firearms and over 220 rounds of ammunition since the start of 2024.
Chief of Police Lincoln Corbette, in his remarks, disclosed that between January 23 and June 14, a total of 42 firearms and 220 rounds of ammunition were intercepted at Dominica’s ports of entry. These included two military-grade assault rifles, notably AR-15s, which Corbette described as “weapons of war… equivalent to the M16 carried by soldiers in war.” These seizures were part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the newly formed Firearms Investigative Unit, comprising members of the Dominica Police Force, Customs, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and other government bodies.
In addition to the ports interceptions, police recovered another 7 firearms and 16 rounds of ammunition from criminal suspects on the island during local investigations. This brings the total number of recovered firearms for the year to 49.
Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, Corbette declined to disclose operational details but emphasized the significance of the seized weapons and the threat they pose to national security. He acknowledged the presence of Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs, Rayburn Blackmoore, and Acting Deputy Chief of Police, Jeffery James, at the event, along with several other senior officers and media representatives.
The confiscated weapons were displayed during the press briefing as a stark visual reminder of the ongoing threat posed by illegal arms smuggling. According to Corbette, the presence of AR-15s “on our streets” is alarming and calls for intensified efforts to protect Dominica from organized criminal elements and international trafficking routes.
Authorities say the work of the new multi-agency unit continues, and the public can expect further developments as investigations proceed.
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