Search Warrants in Parham Lead to Firearm, Ammunition and Cannabis Charges

Three Parham residents are expected to appear in court today after police charged them with firearm, ammunition and drug offences stemming from a series of search warrant operations carried out in the community earlier this week.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda said the operations were conducted during the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 12, by officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department Task Force and the K-9 Unit.

Two of the accused, 40-year-old Harold Joseph and 33-year-old Kerah Mack, were jointly charged after police allegedly found 491 grams of cannabis.

Joseph and Mack have each been charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to transfer.

In a separate search conducted as part of the operations, police arrested Atanie Browne of Parham after allegedly recovering a Taurus G2C 9mm semi-automatic pistol and 19 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Browne was subsequently charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Police said two spent 9mm shells were also recovered during the operation.

Joseph, Mack and Browne are expected to appear before the court sometime Friday, August 14, to answer to the respective charges.

The latest arrests come as police continue a series of targeted operations aimed at removing illegal firearms, ammunition and controlled substances from communities across Antigua and Barbuda.

The Police Administration said intelligence-led operations, search warrants, mobile patrols and other proactive policing measures will continue as part of efforts to disrupt criminal activity and tackle serious and organised crime.

Authorities are also offering a cash reward for credible information that results in the recovery and seizure of illegal firearms or ammunition, or the arrest and successful prosecution of people involved in their illegal possession, use, trafficking or concealment.

Members of the public with information about illegal firearms, ammunition, drugs or other criminal activity can contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or 462-3914, Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477), or the nearest police station.

Police have assured that information provided will be treated with strict confidence.