SIA briefly shut down after suspected weapons breach
A security breach involving a suspected firearm at Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay yesterday triggered full emergency security procedures which entailed enhanced screening for passengers, and the cessation of boarding and departure of flights.
The ground stop, which lasted approximately two hours — from 12:25 pm to 2:33 pm — was eventually lifted and operations resumed.
Three departing and one arriving flight were cancelled due to the disruption, and the relevant airlines are making alternative arrangements to transport their passengers to their respective destinations as early as possible, MBJ Airports Limited said.
Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunication & Transport Daryl Vaz said the airport management reported that the breach appeared to involve a firearm that seemed to have passed through the pre-board passenger screening machine that is manned by port security officers.
“The item was spotted in a bag on the screening machine images after the passenger had passed through and entered the departure lounge. As a result, the airport management triggered full emergency security procedures which entailed the cessation of boarding and departure of flights until the passenger and bag were identified to verify its contents and treat with it according to security procedures,” the minister said.
After locating the passenger and bag, the item seen on the screening machine image was not found. Further searches took place within the terminal for possible dumping of the item. A gun-shaped lighter, which had been discarded, was eventually found by the police search team. The passenger was taken into custody.
“While I am happy that the emergency protocols worked and the breach was discovered and an item recovered, I will instruct that an audit for a review of security protocols is done to improve and strengthen the processes without causing delays to passengers departing both international airports,” Vaz said last evening.
“I am waiting on a full report to be given to me at this time.”