radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Criminal rival gangs are stockpiling high-powered military-grade weapons like AR-15s and M-16s, which are intended to be used for deadly hits, gun experts have disclosed.
Combat specialist Paul Nahous made the revelation during an interview with Guardian Media last week. He said the entry of these weapons into the country has far-reaching consequences not just for the T&T Police Service (TTPS) but also for members of the public.
“These rifles are mainly used in gang on gang warfare. It presents a huge danger to the public and also to law enforcement and makes it much more dangerous,” Nahous said.
Nahous said the 5.56 rounds fired from an AR-15 have higher penetrative capabilities and a longer range, which means the rounds can travel for over 500 yards.
He added: “Based on our information, they (gangs) have stockpiled these for hits and law enforcement.”
He said T&T does not manufacture these high-powered weapons, adding they mainly come from the United States.
Unfortunately, he explained, criminals do not have the proper training for using these sophisticated guns.
“They usually just spray the rounds, which can travel hundreds of yards and inadvertently hit someone as well, so every time there is a gang-related hit, it puts the public in great danger,” Nahous revealed.
He added: “With this type of technology, rival gangs are arming up and there is a race for arms between gangs which poses a concern for law enforcement.”
Meanwhile, gun dealer and retired Major of the Defence Force, Dirk Barnes, said the police were not properly outfitted to deal with the high-powered AR-15, especially when fired using 5.56 rounds.
“Law enforcement officers use pistol calibre body armour. There are limitations on body armour and that is a concern for law enforcement because when you have criminals moving around with rifles and high-speed rounds, your body armour has to be suited for this and the typical police officer is not moving around with a rifle protection body armour,” Barnes said.
He noted that someone who is hit with a rifle shot is more likely to die.
“The importance of getting AR-15, M-16s out of the hands of the criminals is supposed to be on the top of the agenda for the Government when you look at crime strategies,” he added.
Former Police Commissioners Gary Griffith also said 100 per cent of murders committed are with illegal firearms.
He said proper checks must be made at the ports, since this is where the illegal guns are coming in, and there should be integrated border patrols.