THE largest cache of illegal firearms were seized by police on Wednesday in Santa Cruz.
Police Commissioner Erla Christopher said it was linked to the attack at the home Deputy Prisons Commissioner Sherwin Bruce whose driver Steve Phitt, 49, was shot when men came out from a car and opened fire at Sparrow Avenue in Barataria on Wednesday morning.
She said “Today the TTPS achieved the largest seizure of illegal firearms in the country’s history.”
The weapons seized are classified among the deadliest of weapons including:
- 13 firearms, including two AK-47 rifles;
- two Draco rifles;
- one M-16 rifle;
- two UZI Sub-machine guns;
- one Beretta Sub-machine gun;
- one Ruger 30 calibre rifle; and
- one Ruger Precision 50 calibre rifle.
The seizure also included 1,152 rounds of assorted ammunition including 45 mm, 50 calibre, 12-gauge, 7.62 mm, 9 mm and 6.5 calibre armour piercing ammunition. Several major firearm component parts were also seized, including 10 Laser pointers, 23 Rifle Stocks, 53 Trigger Guards, 13 Selectors, 15 Triggers, four Rear Sights and four Buffers.
Christopher said, “Following the crafting and execution of the Violence Crime Reduction Plan earlier this year, an intelligence-led exercise was carried out at a location in the Santa Cruz police district, where a huge cache of high powered, sophisticated weapons was discovered and seized.”
She said, “This seizure represents a major breakthrough in our battle against the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunitions, and we anticipate that it will significantly impact the commission of violent crimes involving the use of illegal weapons.”
Christopher said “Our intelligence suggests that the seizures are linked to the suspects in the brazen attack earlier today on the life of the Deputy Commissioner of Prisons.
“Attacks against public officials will not be tolerated and the TTPS will certainly not be intimidated by any threats against law enforcement officers and law-abiding citizens. We serve notice on persons who seem prepared to disrupt law and order in this country, that we are closing in on them. The question is not “if” but “when” they will be detained.
“I want to advise persons wanting to challenge law enforcement that now is a good time to cease and desist. You will not succeed. We are coming for you.”
