Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer

Michael Phipps, deputy superintendent of police and crime chief for the St. Andrew South Police Division, points to the three guns that were recovered in the division this week. They are, from left, a Mossberg 20 gauge shotgun, a Taurus Magnum revolver and a 9mm assault rifle. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Three guns have been removed from the streets of the volatile St. Andrew South Police Division within the last 24 hours.

The weapons seized are a Mossberg 20 gauge shotgun, a Taurus .357 magnum and an unusual 9mm calibre assault rifle.

They are all very dangerous weapons, said Deputy Superintendent Michael Phipps, crime officer at the Hunts Bay Police Station.

"The 9mm calibre assault rifle is currently labelled 'unusual' because we have not yet identified a similarity with any other rifle," Phipps explained. He said the weapon "facilitates a shooting range of over 300 metres." The Taurus .357 magnum revolver is one of the most powerful handguns with a shooting range of up to 100 metres." The Mossberg shotgun is preferred for close combat, DSP Phipps said.

Speaking of St. Andrew South, DSP Phipps said the peace that existed since the start of the year has been disturbed by an upsurge in murders due to a resumption of gang feuds in areas such as Waterhouse, Greenwich Town, Whitfield Town and Payne Avenue.

"In comparison to the period September through to October last year, 15 more murders have been committed in the area with six days remaining in October," he noted.

In this regard, he said the St. Andrew South police have developed new strategies to halt the violent upsurge. Persons who are willing to assist the St. Andrew South police are being asked to call, 779-6187, 311, Operation Kingfish at 811 or call 119.