Two women nabbed in gang raid

Two females and a male said to be members of the Only The Family Gang were taken into police custody following a major gun and ammunition seizure in Green Pond, St James, on Thursday.

The identities of the persons in custody are being withheld pending further investigations.

According to the police's Corporate Communications Unit, the Joint Anti-Gang Task Force (JAGTF) conducted an early morning operation which led to the recovery of several weapons, nearly 500 assorted rounds of ammunition and six firearms.

The weapons seized consisted of a AM-15 multi-calibre rifle, one Omni Hybrid multi-calibre AR-15 rifle, one modified KMA-15 multi-calibre rifle and three pistols. Additionally, the lawmen recovered firearm paraphernalia including working parts, magazines and holsters.

JAGTF, which was launched last February, has been tasked with ridding the country of illegal guns as well as dismantling gangs and their criminal networks. It comprises highly-trained persons from the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force.

Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson told a recent media briefing that 67 per cent of the more 655 murders committed in Jamaica between January 1 and June 30 were gang-related. This is down from a realm of around 80 per cent for the corresponding period last year.

Anderson said that strong action against gangs is bearing fruits.

"We're actually starting to see the impact of our efforts to dismantle and disrupt criminal activities," he said.