By Rasbert Turner, STAR Writer

Detective Sergeant Paul Thomas, of the Spanish Town police, shows off the M16 rifle found in Duncans Pen in Spanish Town. The police said it was the first gun found in the division since the start of the year. - Ian Allen

Spanish Town

The Spanish Town police yesterday seized their first illegal gun for 2008 when they recovered a M16 rifle during an operation in the city.

The police report that the M16 A1 rifle, along with a magazine containing eight M16 cartridges, was seized in the Duncans Pen area outside Spanish town.

According to sub-officer in charge of crime for Spanish Town, Detective Sergeant Paul Thomas about midday, a joint police/military force was on an operation in Duncans Pen searching for guns, drugs and wanted men. They said they went to a house where the gun was found at the base of the house.

"We found that this gun was well maintained and even had a strap attached to it by those who used it and we will be going all out to rid the streets of illegal weapons," he said.

He told THE STAR that the police would continue its drive to seized more than the 71 illegal guns that have been taken from the hands of gunmen last year.

No one was held in connection with the fine.