Cops make inroads in massive gun find case

Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey says the police have identified the main players overseas in relation to the major gun bust at the wharf in St James on January 11.

"But one of the hindrances that has prevented us from progressing further is the COVID-19," Bailey told THE STAR during a virtual press conference yesterday. He, however, did not go into specifics. The police reported that some 19 firearms, including six high-powered rifles, and just more than 470 assorted rounds of ammunition were found in a barrel at the wharf.

Bailey said January's major gun bust is a reflection of the fruitful working relationship in which the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) currently shares with several international partners.

International partners

"(On) the last find (January 11) there is a joint investigation between the JCF and our international partners and it is ongoing, but I can guarantee that we are going to get to the bottom of that one as well," Bailey said.

Last year, the St James Police Division recorded the highest number of illegal gun seizures with 116 firearms and 1,378 assorted round of ammunition.

Since 2016, the police have made strides in its fight against gun trafficking, making six major seizures including the 2017 discovery of a barrel containing seven high-powered rifles, eight handguns and thousands of rounds of ammunition seized at a container warehouse in Kingston on July 20. They also intercepted 19 guns at the Kingston Container Terminal on November 17, 2017, which was said to be destined for the Westmoreland-based Dexter Street gang.

"We have actually started an anti-gang investigation. We have identified a number of gang members, we have identified the key players and we are working jointly with our partners," he said.

- R.M.