Update | Soldier charged as part of probe into major Kingston guns and ammunition bust

A member of the Jamaica Defence Force has been charged by the police after illegal ammunition was allegedly found in his car after he reportedly fled from cops probing the case in which a large quantity of ammunition and guns were found at a facility in Kingston last December.

He is 36-year-old Odeen Lawrence of Dublin Castle and Kintyre in St Andrew.

Lawrence is charged with conspiracy to traffic prohibited weapons and unauthorised possession of ammunition, based on the findings from the investigation, the police reported.

The police say the investigations into the broader seizure of the 28 firearms and 6,142 rounds of ammunition remain active, with further charges expected.

The seizure, which the police describe as one of the largest arms recoveries, occurred at the Kingston Logistics Centre on December 19, 2025.

In relation to Lawrence, the police report that about 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5, detectives assigned to the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) visited a premises in White Water Meadows, Spanish Town in St Catherine, and upon their arrival, Lawrence fled the scene on foot, abandoning a Honda Shuttle motor car, which was subsequently seized.

He surrendered to the police the following day and a subsequent search of his vehicle on January 7, conducted in his presence, revealed a nine millimetre round of ammunition in the glove compartment.

He was subsequently charged.

Lawrence’s court date is being finalised

Meanwhile, FNID Director, Superintendent Patrae Rowe, said this seizure further highlights the police's mandate to protect the people of Jamaica.

“This investigation remains active as we work to dismantle the channels that facilitate the flow of illegal weapons into our communities. Our mission is to uphold the law without fear or favour, regardless of the status or profession of those involved. We will continue to use every resource at our disposal to bring those who threaten the nation’s security to justice.”

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.