By Admin. Updated 1:03 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
A 41-year-old Ottley Hall man has been charged after police allegedly discovered an AR-15 rifle and 19 rounds of prohibited ammunition during a stop-and-search operation at Nine Steps, Kingstown.
According to the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), officers recovered the prohibited firearm and 19 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition on Thursday, September 10, as part of targeted operations in and around the capital.
Police said Damon Mason, a machine operator of Ottley Hall, was arrested and charged with possession of an AR-15 prohibited firearm, serial number unknown, without the authorisation of the Minister. He was also charged with possession of 19 rounds of 5.56 mm prohibited ammunition without the required authorisation.
Investigators allege that Mason was travelling aboard a public-service minibus when the vehicle was intercepted by police during the operation.
The discovery has raised concerns about the movement of illegal firearms in public spaces, as the vehicle was carrying other passengers at the time.
The seizure forms part of the RSVGPF’s continued intelligence-led operations aimed at removing illegal firearms from communities before they can be used in criminal activity. Police have increasingly focused on targeted stop-and-search exercises and tactical operations as part of efforts to disrupt the circulation of prohibited weapons across the country.
The Force has also renewed its appeal to members of the public to share information about illegal firearms, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in preventing violent crime.
Police continue to encourage anyone with information about illegal weapons or those involved in their possession, storage or movement to contact the RSVGPF.
Mason appeared before the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court on Friday, September 11, where he pleaded not guilty to both charges.
He was granted bail of EC$20,000 with one surety and ordered to surrender all travel documents. The court also directed that stop notices be placed at all ports of entry and exit.
As part of his bail conditions, Mason must report to the Central Police Station (Barracks) every Tuesday and Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The matter was adjourned and transferred to the Serious Offences Court, where Mason is scheduled to appear on September 17, 2026.
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