WATCH | Anti-gang operation in St Catherine yields 31 arrests, J$3 million in asset seizures
Shemar-Leslie Louisy / Our Today
A joint task force executed a major anti-gang operation across various locations in St Catherine on Thursday, December 28, as part of efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance public safety.
The operation, which targeted the notorious Klansman gang, resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of three firearms and a quantity of ammunition. The operation also uncovered a treasure trove of assets seized at a location in Old Harbour, St Catherine, including a motor vehicle, cash, luxury items, and name-brand clothing estimated to be worth approximately J$3 million.
The nine-month-long investigation that led to operation was spearheaded by the Counterterrorism and Organised Crime Branch (CTOC). This comprehensive initiative, supported by various internal and external stakeholders, including the Major Investigation Division, St Catherine North and South Police Divisions, Proactive Investigative Unit, St Catherine Scenes of Crime Unit, National Intelligence Bureau, Specialised Operation Branch, Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, and the Jamaica Defence Force, aimed to dismantle the Klansman gang’s operations.
Speaking at a media briefing, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Fitz Bailey said the investigation focused on the section of the gang under the direction of incarcerated leader Tesha Miller, otherwise called Hombre, of De La Vega City, Spanish Town, St Catherine. The operation resulted in a total of 31 arrests in St Catherine over the past two months, with individuals facing charges relating to murders and shootings.
The Klansmans gang, linked to at least 800 murders since 2014, has been a significant threat to public safety. In 2023, the overall murder rate has fallen from over 80 per cent to 67 per cent this year.
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