Corporal Peter Salkey, the Constabulary Communication Network's liaison officer for St. James, inspects an M-16 assault rifle, which was found during a joint police/military operation in the Hendon/Glendevon area in the parish yesterday, along with two bullet-proof vests, two magazines and two live cartridges. Looking on is Deputy Superintendent Ralsford Hardy, who is in charge of operations for the parish. - Photo by Noel Thompson WESTERN BUREAU:
A massive joint police and military predawn raid in sections of Hendon and Glendevon, Montego Bay, yesterday, netted 19 people and saw the seizure of an M-16 rifle and bullet-proof vests.
Police have not released any of the names of the detained persons, as some are to face identification parades, while others were being processed. However, Corporal Peter Salkey, the Constabulary Communication Network's liaison officer for St. James, confirmed that at least three wanted men were among the batch in custody. A woman was also held.
The men are wanted for questioning in connection with various serious crimes including murder, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, as well as shooting. One of the detainees was out on bail for murder and is also a suspect linked to a number of murders committed since he was bailed.
The operation saw more than 60 Jamaica DefenceForce (JDF) soldiers and 19 police personnel conducting the raid. Deputy Superintendent Ralsford Hardy, in charge of operations for St. James, led the police team.
Residents were awakened by the loud noise of a JDF chopper hovering overhead about 4:46 a.m., providing vital information to the ground troops deployed in the Joan Avenue, Felicity, Dallas and Lime Tree Lane areas, near Norwood, which has seen the majority of murders committed in St. James.
40 premises searched
Corporal Salkey said more than 40 premises were searched. The wanted men are to be charged with murder, shooting and other major crimes. The M-16 rifle, two 5.56 cartridges, two magazines and two bullet-proof vests were discovered at a house along Joan Avenue. One man has been charged in relation to the find.
Corporal Salkey said: "We realise that a number of times incidents occur in these communities whereby persons use bulletproof vests, impersonating and posing as policemen to carry out robberies."
He said the police were appealing to residents to be vigilant when persons show up at their premises, particularly at nights and identify themselves as police.
"Ensure that you are shown proper identification before opening your doors," Corporal Salkey said.
