Holness appeals to criminals to give up the guns

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a new campaign targeting gunmen.

Under the initiative, a reward system will be put in place where between $250,000 and $500,000 will be paid for illegal weapons.

Speaking at an event in Olympic Gardens, Holness said the undertaking is part of the Government's strategy to fight crime.

He appealed to persons in possession of illegal guns to give them up.

He also urged persons with information to share it with the police.

Today's announcement came a day after 13 guns, including 10 high-powered rifles, were seized in a police operation in the Florence Hall housing scheme in Trelawny.

One man was shot and killed in the operation.

On Monday, Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson indicated that since the start of the year, 88 illegal guns have been recovered.

These include 13 rifles, the highest haul in January since 2011.

Anderson indicated that the AK-47 is the weapon of choice for gunmen in Jamaica, with the gun costing between $500,000 and $1 million to acquire.

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