Two men are due to appear in court next week after being charged with firearm and ammunition offences following police operations in Freetown and Collins on Wednesday morning.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal weapons and gun-related crime.

Cavel Brown of Freetown was charged with unlawful possession of a modified flare gun and three rounds of 9mm ammunition. Police said the alleged offences took place around 4:05am during an operation in the area.

In a separate incident, 45-year-old Twini Payne of Collins was charged with unlawful possession of a Taurus G25 9mm pistol, a magazine and three rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Police have not released further details about either seizure but said operations targeting illegal firearms are continuing.

Anyone with information about illegal weapons or suspicious activity is being urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 800-TIPS (8477).