A St. John’s magistrate has sentenced 50-year-old Sheldon Sambury, a Trinidad and Tobago national living in Bendals, to two years and six months in prison for illegal firearm possession.

Sambury, a farmer and member of the Boboshanti Rastafarian community, also received a one-year sentence for the illegal possession of eight rounds of matching ammunition. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Police arrested Sambury following the discovery of a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver and ammunition. He later admitted ownership, telling officers he kept the weapon for protection after being robbed in the past.

The case comes amid heightened concerns about illegal firearms and public safety across the island.