Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips (centre) addresses journalists at a joint press conference with Sir Ian Blair (foreground), Metropolitan Commissioner of Police, and Jamaica Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas, at the National Security Ministry's Oxford Road, St. Andrew, office yesterday. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE BRITISH government disclosed yesterday that it would support Operation Kingfish for another year, the anti-crime initiative launched last October by National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips.
Under the British and American-backed initiative, several alleged drug kingpins have been arrested and are being tried by the courts on extradition charges to the United States. In addition, Kingfish has been targeting dons and gang leaders in an effort to dismantle local criminal networks.
The United Kingdom's continued support for Operation Kingfish was announced during a joint press conference at the Ministry of National Security by Minister Phillips, Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas and the visiting head of Scotland Yard, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
He called Kingfish "... a quite extraordinary operation and one of which the Jamaican Constabulary Force can be justifiably proud."
The U.K. hailed Kingfish as a
'significant success' last December, contributing to a reduction in cocaine smuggled from Colombia by 80 per cent.
RECIPROCAL VISIT
Yesterday, Dr. Phillips said he had enjoyed a 'lengthy' discussion with Sir Ian and would be making a reciprocal visit, accompanied by Commissioner Thomas later this month, when he will also meet with the U.K. government to discuss other cooperation issues.
JCF officers are also to be posted as liaison officers to the U.K. with similar appointments to be made in the United States and Canada. These were needed said Dr. Phillips since most major
criminal gangs had operations in these countries.
Full control of Kingfish is intended to be handed over in time to the JCF disclosed Dr. Phillips and Sir Ian. "... So we are going to be spending part of the time ensuring there is a transfer of the skills and techniques in the fullest way possible," said Dr. Phillips.
Cooperation, said Sir Ian, was not based on altruism, but chiefly on British self-interest. "The relationship between events on the streets of London ... and events in Jamaica is very clear ... I am here to benefit on behalf of the U.K., if not as well as helping to benefit."
He added that Jamaica would benefit from the experience of advisers from Scotland Yard's Operation Trident who are also visiting Jamaica this week. Trident is the unit that targets black-on-black gun crimes in London.
Sir Ian said he was giving Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas "the benefit of our mistakes."
