Head of the Organised Crime Unit, Superintendent Fitz Bailey, has commenced a major investigation into the circumstances under which seven security guards, who had no firearm permits, were issued with guns and sent to guard several branches of a reputable financial institution.

"The guards were arrested yesterday (Tuesday) and are to appear in court on Friday. They have been charged with illegal possession of firearm," Supt Bailey explained.

The superintendent disclosed that the seven guards were attached to Protection and Security Company, a Kingston-based entity. He declined to comment on whether the investigation would include other security companies under the microscope of the police.

The senior officer warned that companies or persons who contract the services of armed security guards who do not have a valid firearm permit would be prosecuted.

Failure to renew

Contacted yesterday, Leroy Grant, operation's manager at Protection and Security Company, confirmed that the guards were arrested. He blamed the long process at the Firearm Licences Authority (FLA) to renew relevant documents.

Grant explained that at the time when the guards were arrested they were without certificates, which the security company has since received from the FLA.

A spokeperson at the FLA said they were not aware of the incident involving the arrest of the guards.

glenroy.sinclair@gleanerjm.com