Two illegal firearms and thirteen rounds of ammunition have been removed from circulation following separate police operations conducted over two days.
The operations have already produced a conviction and custodial sentence, while a second accused has been placed before the court on firearm, ammunition, and taking conveyance charges.
On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Lesmond Franklyn, a 40-year-old construction worker of Dickson/Orange Hill, appeared before the Serious Offences Court and pleaded guilty to possession of an illegal firearm and possession of ammunition.
Franklyn was sentenced to forty months’ imprisonment for possession of the firearm and one year’s imprisonment for possession of the ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently.
His arrest followed a joint patrol operation involving tactical units deployed in the Windward District. During the operation in Orange Hill on July 21, 2026, Franklyn was found in possession of one .380 pistol and seven rounds of ammunition without the licences required under the Firearms Act.
The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force commends the officers involved in the operation. Their vigilance, coordination, and decisive action resulted in an illegal firearm being removed from the community and the offender being brought swiftly before the court.
In a separate matter, Rahiem Williams, a 30-year-old construction worker of Lowmans Leeward, appeared before the Serious Offences Court charged with possession of one Glock 43X pistol, possession of six rounds of ammunition, and taking a conveyance without the consent of the owner or lawful authority.
The offences are alleged to have occurred in Lower Questelles and Kingstown on July 20, 2026.
Williams pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted bail in the sum of $20,000 with one surety. He was ordered to report to the Central Police Station every day between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and to surrender all travel documents. The matter was adjourned to August 6, 2026.
These seizures represent more than the recovery of two weapons. They represent two firearms that can no longer be carried into a dispute, used to intimidate a citizen, or turned against another human being.
The RSVGPF remains fully engaged in the fight against illegal firearms. Officers across the country will continue to conduct targeted patrols, joint operations, searches, and enforcement activities aimed at identifying illegal weapons, removing them from circulation, and bringing those responsible before the courts.
The public should be assured that this work is being done on their behalf and in defence of their safety.
The Force also recognizes that police action alone cannot solve the problem of illegal firearms. Information from citizens remains critical. Anyone with information concerning an illegal firearm, ammunition, or persons involved in firearm-related activity is urged to contact the police.
Every firearm removed is one less weapon available to threaten the peace and security of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
