Suspected explosive devices concern security expert

Monday's discovery of more than 320 suspected explosive devices at a premise on Darling Street in the Kingston Western Police Division is a major cause for concern, according to security expert Robert Finzi-Smith.

He told THE STAR that the suspected pipe bombs were used in warfare by the Irish Republican Army and bombers in London.

"In London, a couple of those bombs created havoc. In London, they would go off in the subway. So in Jamaica it could be the transport centre and the havoc would be unimaginable," he said. Finzi-Smith said he cannot recall these types of explosives being found in Jamaica.

"First, we need to find out the purpose why they were at the location. The shrapnel from them are very dangerous. Remember, we are dealing with metal, and what they usually do is pack the pipes with explosives, like ball bearings and screws and nails and so on. When the pipe itself explodes, it will send out shrapnel and that is the cause of a great deal of wounds in a lot of wars. Just imagine a piece of pipe about two inches long being propelled by shockwaves and it goes through you," he said.

According to a press release from the Corporate Communications Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the operation that unearthed the devices was based on high-quality intelligence obtained through the diligent use of various technologies and other methodologies. Currently, experts are conducting chemical tests to ascertain the exact nature of the substances found.

Finzi-Smith said that if the devices are indeed pipe bombs, then there is a high possibility that they could have been home-made or easily shipped into the island.

"They are not hard to move in the country. Looking at them without an eye to see what you are looking for, you will think that you are looking at some type of plumbing materials. The materials needed to make them are not hard to get and are easily accessible," he said.