**Basseterre, St. Kitts – Taj Frederick, a 27-year-old resident of Crab Hill, Sandy Point, has been convicted and sentenced for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The charges originated from a routine stop and search operation carried out on Monday, August 5, 2024, by officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit on the Southeast Peninsula. During this operation, the vehicle with the license plate PB2754, which Mr. Frederick was driving, was stopped and searched. A 9mm Luger pistol and five matching rounds of ammunition were found in the vehicle. Mr. Frederick and the two other occupants were taken into custody.
After the investigation, Mr. Frederick was formally charged on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. He pleaded guilty to both charges on March 28, 2025.
On May 26, 2025, Mr. Frederick was sentenced at the High Court by His Lordship Justice Morley. In his sentencing, the court recognized Mr. Frederick’s full cooperation with law enforcement, his previously clean record, and the fact that the firearm was neither cocked nor had a round in the chamber. The court also acknowledged that Mr. Frederick claimed the weapon was intended for self-protection. However, due to recently enacted legislation, possession of illegal firearms carries a mandatory prison sentence.
Mr. Frederick received a six-year prison sentence for each charge, to be served concurrently. Time already spent in remand will be deducted from his sentence, and he will be eligible for a one-third remission for good behaviour.
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force reiterates its zero-tolerance policy toward illegal firearms and remains committed to enforcing the law and ensuring community safety. Citizens are encouraged to report any information related to crime, especially serious offences, to the nearest police station.