Antigua police launch Operation Restore Confidence to target crime hotspots
Key Points(5)
- The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a nationwide crime-fighting initiative aimed at disrupting criminal networks, removing illegal firearms from the streets and improving community safety.
- Dubbed “Operation Restore Confidence,” the initiative involves coordinated, intelligence-led operations in communities and known crime hotspots across the country.
- According to police, the operations include the execution of search warrants, mobile patrols, vehicle checkpoints and stop-and-search exercises targeting illegal firearms and ammunition, drugs, stolen property and people of interest in ongoing criminal investigations.
- During a major operation in the early hours of Sunday, Aug.
- 16, police seized an Astra CUB .25-caliber pistol along with several rounds of matching ammunition.
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a nationwide crime-fighting initiative aimed at disrupting criminal networks, removing illegal firearms from the streets and improving community safety.
Dubbed “Operation Restore Confidence,” the initiative involves coordinated, intelligence-led operations in communities and known crime hotspots across the country.
According to police, the operations include the execution of search warrants, mobile patrols, vehicle checkpoints and stop-and-search exercises targeting illegal firearms and ammunition, drugs, stolen property and people of interest in ongoing criminal investigations.
During a major operation in the early hours of Sunday, Aug. 16, police seized an Astra CUB .25-caliber pistol along with several rounds of matching ammunition.
Three people who were at the premises were arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and taken into custody.
Police also seized several license plates suspected to have been stolen, along with other items of interest. Several other people were detained for questioning as investigations continued.
The operation involved personnel from multiple departments and specialist units, including the Criminal Investigations Department Task Force, K-9 Unit, Narcotics Department, Special Services Unit, A and B Divisions, Proceeds of Crime Unit, Forensic Evidence Recovery Unit and Traffic Department.
Police said Operation Restore Confidence is not a one-time exercise and that similar targeted operations will continue across Antigua and Barbuda.
The Police Administration said the ongoing operations are intended to disrupt criminal networks, remove illegal firearms and ammunition from circulation, apprehend people involved in criminal activity and improve the safety and security of communities.
Members of the public are being encouraged to assist police by providing information about illegal firearms and ammunition, stolen property and other criminal activity.
Police said all information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Anyone with information can contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or 462-3914, or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).
