By: Staff Writer
November 21, 2023
The US State Department in a recent report said that only 5 percent of the 211,061 export bound firearms to the Caribbean have been investigated and seized as a part of wider investigations under the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) and its Operation Hammerhead with CARICOM.
The report said that out of the “211,061 Caribbean-bound exports, referred 1,924 with some level of risk (tiered system), and supported eight (8) firearms trafficking investigations. During Operation Hammerhead’s timeframe – 48 pistols, 10 rifles, 10 magazines, four revolvers, and 3,371 rounds of ammunition have been seized in/destined for the Caribbean.
“In FY 2023, HSI’s Caribbean Firearms Initiative contributed to regional security through partnerships with Caribbean law enforcement and Customs agencies, collectively seizing 344 firearms, 224,438 rounds of ammunition, and $391,132.00 in U.S. currency.
The US State Department in a recent notice on their joint efforts with CARICOM to help stem the flow of illegal firearms into the region, said that they are prioritising their efforts to disrupt the illegal flow of fireams into the Caribbean.
After having met with CARICOM leaders and having inaugurated a Caribbean Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CCGIU) in November of 2022 the US State Department said that CCGIU supports CARICOM Member States with seizing firearms, related parts, and components, as well as in identifying, charging, and prosecuting co-conspirators for firearms crime and is facilitating the expansion of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) training initiatives for CARICOM law enforcement partners on the use of eTrace and best practices for conducting firearms trafficking investigations.
The notice also said that there are ATF attachés in Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago investigate firearms trafficking cases with partner-country law enforcement agencies and U.S. investigators.
“With assistance from these attachés, the number of firearms traced for the region increased by nearly 100 from FY 2021 to FY 2022. These traces resulted in the referral of multiple criminal investigations to domestic ATF field divisions and assisted CARICOM partners in identifying trafficking networks and source locations.”
The report also said: To date, 12 Caribbean countries drafted national action plans under the auspices of the Firearms Roadmap and Priority Actions. The United States stands ready to help countries implement their individualized priorities, plans, and timelines upon completion of their respective national action plans.”