JCF’S SIB INTENSIFIES ORGANISED CRIME CRACKDOWN: GANG MEMBERS ARRESTED, MILLIONS IN CASH, FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SEIZED
The JCF’s Specialized Investigation Branch has made significant progress against organised crime over the past week, resulting in 19 gang members in custody, millions in cash seized and prohibited weapons removed from the streets.
In their latest operation, on Tuesday, August 11, about 11:40 a.m., members of the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division (NSAD) of the SIB, executed a search warrant at the Petrojam Mobay Terminal in Freeport, Montego Bay. During the operation, a Palmetto State 9mm pistol, 101 rounds of mixed ammunition, suppressors, tactical gear, US$1,780 and other paraphernalia were seized.
This latest seizure comes closely on the heels of the disruption and degradation of the Genasyde Gang under the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisation Act), where 19 members, including the reputed leader, 39-year-old Tefari Green, were charged with various violent crimes spanning five parishes between 2021 and 2026. Green was charged with
Leadership of a Criminal Organisation.
The SIB’s relentless pursuit of criminal networks has also led to several other major operational successes over the past week, including multiple operations across Montego Bay, St. James.
On August 6, about midday, 228 rounds of ammunition were seized in Fairview, Montego Bay and 40-year-old Vachel Whitter was arrested and charged for Possession of Prohibited Weapon, Unauthorised Possession of Ammunition, Dealing in Prohibited Weapon, Stockpiling Prohibited Weapon and Trafficking Prohibited Weapon following this seizure. Hours later, about 2:50 p.m., 200 rounds of ammunition were seized during an operation on Fairview Road, St. James. Thirty-two-year-old Jermaine Graham and 23-year-old Shamoy Staple, were charged with Unauthorised Possession of Ammunition, Stockpiling Prohibited Weapons and Trafficking Prohibited Weapon, Possession of Prohibited Weapon, Dealing in Prohibited Weapon and Trafficking in Prohibited Weapon.
The SIB partnered with the Financial Investigation Division on August 7 and operations in Kingston and St. Andrew resulted in the seizure of over 75 million in cash and approximately JMD $4 million in counterfeit goods. Two individuals were charged with Possession of Criminal Property and other offences and were granted JMD 1.5 million bail each.
On August 10, during separate operations in Montego Bay, the NSAD team seized a firearm, a ballistic vest and 81 rounds of ammunition. Two women and a man were taken into custody in relation to this seizure.
Head of the Specialized Investigation Branch, Senior Superintendent of Police Christoper Brown, said the JCF has intensified its strategies against organised crime and continues to appeal to citizens to partner with them.
“Each round of ammunition seized represents a life saved and a family protected from senseless violence. Our recent successes in disrupting criminal networks as well as the flow of firearms and ammunition are not coincidental; but are the result of the deliberate and intentional efforts of the JCF. I must commend the collaboration and teamwork across all our specialised units and partner agencies. However, the police cannot win this fight alone. We once again are asking the public to partner with us and share what you know. Together, we can ensure the safety of our communities and truly operate as one force for good,” said SSP Brown.
