Police in St Kitts and Nevis are investigating the discovery of 15 firearms and more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition inside a shipping container in Nevis that had arrived from Canada.

The Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) said officers responded to Colquhouns Estate on July 9 after customs officials uncovered the weapons during an inspection of a 40-foot shipping container located outside a private residence.

According to police, the container, which held personal belongings belonging to the homeowner, had been shipped from Canada.

During the search, officers from the Customs Enforcement Department discovered rifles, pistols and revolvers, along with an assortment of ammunition.

The firearms and ammunition were seized and sent for forensic examination and further investigation.

Police said they are working closely with the Customs Enforcement Department and other law enforcement partners to determine how the weapons came to be inside the shipment and whether any offences were committed.

Authorities have not announced any arrests.