The Haitian National Police (PNH) announced the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition following an operation conducted on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in Bel-Air, one of the most notorious strongholds of armed groups in the capital.
According to a statement from the Police Communications Directorate (DICOP), the intervention, supported by the Task Force, targeted the stronghold of a gang leader known as Jamesley. The operation resulted not only in the seizure of a considerable and varied arsenal but also in the neutralization of several individuals affiliated with the group, which authorities have labeled as “terrorist.”
The seized material includes a wide array of equipment. Among the notable items are a Mavic drone, handguns—including 9 mm and .22 caliber pistols, some of which were counterfeit—as well as assault weapons, including an M16 rifle, a counterfeit Kalashnikov rifle, and 9 mm submachine guns. Three 12-gauge shotguns were also recovered.
In addition to firearms, police seized logistical equipment such as batteries, magazines, and radio communication devices. Edged weapons, including machetes and axes, rounded out the arsenal.
Nearly 5,000 Rounds of War Ammunition Recovered
The most striking aspect of the haul remains the seizure of several thousand rounds of military-grade ammunition: exactly 4,094 cartridges of 5.56 mm caliber and 867 of 7.62 mm caliber. For the PNH, these quantities demonstrate the high level of threat and operational capacity of the dismantled group.
The arsenal was officially registered and certified by the Weapons Service of the PNH Logistics Directorate, in accordance with established procedures, thereby ensuring its traceability and secure storage.
For law enforcement, this operation represents a major success in the fight against the insecurity plaguing several neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince. The destruction of the gang leader’s house and the confiscation of this arsenal deal a severe blow to the capabilities of armed groups in Bel-Air.
However, the PNH emphasizes that the mission is far from complete. The hunt for Jamesley, who remains at large, is an absolute priority. Authorities reaffirm their determination to intensify their interventions across the entire territory to dismantle, pursue, and eradicate these criminal groups.
Through this action, the PNH intends to progressively restore security, public peace, and state authority, while sending a clear message to armed groups: no area will be left beyond control.
Awaiting the Arrival of the Gang Suppression Force
This operation comes amid an intensification of police actions in gang strongholds, as authorities await the arrival of the first contingents of the new Gang Suppression Force (GSF), expected in January.
While the GSF is set to comprise 5,500 personnel, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on December 19 that the United States had received pledges of contributions for up to 7,500 security personnel, praising the mobilization of donors.
The United States and Canada, which are coordinating this effort, also indicated in a joint statement following a meeting on the force’s formation on December 9, 2025, that 18 entities had committed to providing personnel, resources, and technical support.
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Source: Haitian National Police (DICOP)
