This after they commenced a series of major operations, including curfews, targeted raids, cordons and stop and searches, in the hot-spot areas of the division, especially in Spanish Town and its environs.

A number of persons were taken into custody, of which 19 men were arrested with respect to the crimes of murders, shootings and robberies. These persons were processed and interviewed, and most are awaiting the conduct of identification parades. The majority of the 19 arrested persons have been linked to the gangs operating in Spanish Town and its environs.

three firearms

The police were able to seize three firearms - a Taurus pistol, a Taurus .38 revolver and a Ruger special revolver - and 30 rounds of ammunition during the period under consideration.

Based on preliminary checks, the Ruger was robbed from a licensed firearm holder on Christmas Day last year on Highway 2000. The guns were seized following the fatal shooting of two men Jerome 'Black' Solomon and Omar Griffiths, who were killed in shoot-out with lawmen in Lakes Pen.

Commanding officer for the division, Senior Superintendent Anthony Castelle, says the various operations and the presence of the security forces have impacted positively on especially the number of murders in the division, particularly Spanish Town.

"Thus far, I am very pleased with the results of our coordinated operations as key members of the gangs are now in custody and we are witnessing a welcome decline in the number of serious crimes committed," said Castelle. "I am giving the assurance that the police in St Catherine North will continue to work steadfastly and with professionalism in the various communities. There will be no letting up of our activities."