Prime Minister Gaston Browne has questioned the Director of Public Prosecutions over what he described as the quick withdrawal of cases involving firearms, ammunition and narcotics, saying the courts should be allowed to determine the outcome of such matters.

“Why is our DPP so quick to withdraw cases against criminals involved in narcotics, fire arms and ammunitions? Let the blasted courts decide,” Browne wrote on social media Friday.

The prime minister did not identify any particular case or indicate what prompted his comments.

However, his statement comes shortly after the prosecution of Shiloh Martin and Wayne Knowles on firearms-related charges was brought to an end.

Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph directed prosecutors to discontinue that matter, resulting in the charges being dismissed by Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on Wednesday.

Martin and Knowles had been charged following a police operation at a Liberta residence on Oct. 16, 2024.

The prosecution centred on two firearms — a Taurus .40-calibre pistol and a Smith & Wesson 9mm — along with ammunition, magazines and four ballistic vests.

Several other people, including three juveniles, were detained during the early-morning police operation but were subsequently released without charges.

Warren Cassell represented Knowles, while Damian Benjamin represented Martin.

There has been no confirmation that Browne’s remarks were directed at the Martin and Knowles matter, and the prime minister did not mention either defendant in his post. His comments instead raised a broader concern about prosecutorial decisions to discontinue cases involving serious criminal allegations.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Questions DPP Over Withdrawn Cases as Latest Gun Prosecution Ends.