Criminologist Dr Jason McKay says persons caught shipping guns to Jamaica should be treated like terrorists as they pose a serious threat to national security.
He was responding to last Friday's seizure of 59 firearms, including high powered rifles, at the port in Montego Bay.
Dr McKay says the issue should not be treated lightly.
He says rules under the Bail Act that apply to regular citizens should not be applied to criminals that traffic firearms and form gangs.
Dr McKay believes dispatching members of the Jamaica Defence Force to the wharf in Montego Bay could serve to deter those thinking of sending guns to Jamaica.
The Gleaner yesterday reported that soldiers are to be dispatched to the area as of tomorrow due to the huge numbers of guns and ammunition recovered since the start of the year.
Dr McKay says the security apparatus at the wharf which led to the seizure of more than 80 illegal guns within a week is commendable.
He says additional steps should be considered to help detect the guns being sent to Jamaica.
