4,000 BULLETS, DEAD PARROTS, AND EXOTIC ANIMALS SEIZED IN MASSIVE WESTMORELAND OPERATION

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WESTMORELAND, JAMAICA  Law enforcement officials made a shocking discovery on the shores of Whitehouse, Westmoreland early Monday morning, seizing over 3,900 rounds of ammunition, 19 exotic parrots (including 9 found dead), two squirrels, and more than 20 packs of uncustomed cigarettes during a Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) operation.

The operation, which began around 5:00 a.m., was carried out along the Camp Hope and San San beaches, targeting what appeared to be a smuggling and wildlife trafficking site.

WHAT POLICE UNCOVERED

Upon arriving, members of the Special Operations Unit reportedly saw two men removing items from the shoreline. The suspects fled upon spotting the officers, abandoning:

  • Two knitted bags containing over 3,900 rounds of ammunition

  • Two makeshift cages holding 10 live parrots, 9 dead parrots, and 2 squirrels

  • Several tools and over 20 packs of uncustomed cigarettes

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) was alerted and took custody of the animals. NEPA has yet to release a formal statement on the species or origin of the parrots and squirrels.

POLICE RESPONSE AND ENVIRONMENTAL WARNING

Superintendent Victor Barrett praised the operation, emphasizing the multiple risks posed by such crimes.

“The illegal trade of exotic animals is a clear and present danger to our public’s safety, national security, and environmental well-being,” Barrett stated.

Authorities continue their manhunt for the two unidentified men involved in the operation. Members of the public are encouraged to provide information by contacting C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or the nearest police station.

OUR TAKE: SMUGGLING, SICK PARROTS, AND A SYSTEM UNDER THREAT

This wasn’t just a random beach bust. It’s a window into a dangerous intersection of crime, bio-risk, and environmental exploitation  all on Jamaican soil.

What’s especially disturbing is the hybrid nature of the operation: wildlife trafficking mixed with arms smuggling. These aren't separate underworlds anymore  they're merging, creating multi-layered threats to public safety.

Here’s what must happen now:

  1. National Task Force for Environmental Crimes: Smuggling exotic species isn’t just an environmental issue — it's organized crime. Jamaica needs a specialized, multi-agency task force to crack down on this rapidly growing black market.

  2. Wildlife Import Tracking System: Implement a digital registry for all wildlife imports and exports. This allows for early detection of illegal activity and connects customs to environmental authorities in real-time.

  3. Public Reporting Incentives: Offer rewards for information leading to the seizure of illegal wildlife or firearms. Empower fishermen, hikers, and locals near coastlines to be the first line of defense.

  4. Stronger Coastal Surveillance: These beach-based operations indicate that our coastline is being exploited. Investing in drone monitoring, marine patrols, and geo-fencing tools can help seal the gaps.

The fact that nearly 4,000 rounds of ammunition were found alongside dead parrots isn't just bizarre  it’s chilling. Jamaica must treat this incident as a warning and respond with serious, coordinated national action.