File photo
Four firearms were recently found in containers coming in as Hurricane Melissa aid from private consignments.
One person was taken into custody in connection with the seizures.
Investigations are ongoing.
The issue was discussed at last Thursday's meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).
The Jamaica Customs Agency advised the NSC that there has been a significant increase in goods and materials entering the country, primarily due to the relief effort.
As a result, appropriate measures have been implemented to ensure the relief items are handled efficiently and securely, which led to the detection and seizure of the firearms.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is cautioning persons sending relief items to Jamaica not to include illegal goods and weapons and relief packages. He says the government will continue to ensure the security and integrity of imported items.
In the meantime, the Jamaica Customs Agency and Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) have been directed to conduct a detailed review of their systems with a view to identify any possible gaps and strengthen procedures.
This is in response to allegations of missing relief items from consignments at the country's ports.
The National Security Council says the relevant authorities have not received any formal reports of compromised relief cargo since the hurricane.
But the council says it views the integrity of the country's system of processing goods entering the country and the confidence of the public in securely retrieving their goods as matters of absolute importance.
Last month, regiades to Buju Banton alleged that relief items were stolen from a shipment for hurricane victims. But this was refuted by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
