Two men believed to be brothers were charged last Saturday night with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition after they were each held with a home-made handgun in Port Antonio, Portland.

The names of the men have not been released by the police as they are to face an identification parade for robberies and other crimes in Port Antonio.

The men were picked up last weekend during a special operation by the police, who were out in groups after an increase in robberies.

According to the police, the two were confronted by a police search team close to Harris Crescent, in Port Antonio, about 11 p.m. on Saturday, while they were on bicycles. Both men were searched and two home-made hand-guns, each loaded with one 9mm round, were found in their possession.

The police said the men might have been actively involved in a series of armed robberies in the Carder Park area, sections of Boundbrook Avenue, and Janga Gully Road. Two mobile phones, which are believed to be stolen, were also recovered.

Last week, a total of four gun-related robberies took place in Port Antonio and its environs between the hours of 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. The police added that descriptions given by residents fit one of the suspects, who also lives in the Red Hills area of St Andrew.

Both men may face additional charges if they are pointed out in the ID parade.