Crime-fighting capabilities bolstered with advanced patrol vessel
By Zaya Williams
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the government of Antigua and Barbuda is acquiring a brand-new patrol vessel to bolster the country’s coastal defences and crime-fighting capabilities.
According to PM Browne, the vessel which has already been ordered, will be utilized by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDB) coastguard for surveillance and targeted operations against criminal activities.
“This vessel will be equipped with three V10 mercury engines, night vision cameras, radar, an enhanced navigational system, police sirens, lights, and even machine gun mounts,” Browne detailed in a Facebook post.
“We are not playing with the criminals who are smuggling guns, ammunitions and other contrabands into our country; taking the fight to them,” he declared.
The PM revealed that this new acquisition is just the first step, set to be followed by the purchase of a larger, 65-foot crime-fighting vessel at an estimated cost of EC$15 million (approximately US$5.5 million).
The move comes amidst growing concerns over the spate of gun-related crimes and the influx of illegal firearms into the twin-island nation.
Browne has vowed to spare no expense in equipping the country’s law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools and resources to combat this escalating threat to public safety.
This story was first published by Antigua News on August 20, 2024: antigua.news/2024/08/20/crime-fighting-capabilities-bolstered-with-advanced-patrol-vessel. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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