SECRET RAID
Cops nab colleague suspected of selling guns in St Andrew mission
Published:Wednesday | July 30, 2025 | 9:02 AMAndre Williams and Corey Robinson/Staff Reporters
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In a high-level security operation on Tuesday morning in Florence Hill, St Andrew – in which a police constable believed to be involved in gun trafficking was nabbed – even members of the police team were not fully informed in advance. The...
In a high-level security operation on Tuesday morning in Florence Hill, St Andrew – in which a police constable believed to be involved in gun trafficking was nabbed – even members of the police team were not fully informed in advance.
The intelligence-driven operation, executed by the leadership of the St Andrew North Police Division, was conducted without incident.
The authorities reportedly seized two illegal firearms from the constable's residence, and a third weapon was found during a follow-up search in a nearby section of Lawrence Tavern – bringing the division's gun seizure total to 42 since the start of the year.
The seized weapons included a Springfield 9mm pistol loaded with 13 rounds and a SCCY CPX-2 9mm pistol. The constable, who residents of Lawrence Tavern believe has been a member of the force for less than two years, was taken into custody during the operation.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) High Command confirmed the arrest just before noon and stated that the constable is believed to be involved in the illegal sale of firearms. His identity is being withheld pending further investigations.
In a press release, the JCF described the arrest as “a significant development” in its continued fight against the illicit gun trade. The High Command emphasised its commitment to “root out corruption and criminality from the force regardless of rank or affiliations”, asserting: “Any breach of public trust will be met with swift and uncompromising consequences.”
WARRING 'SYNDICATES'
The Florence Hill area has been plagued by gun violence, allegedly driven by two rival groups – the King Western and Florence Hill syndicates. These groups have been linked to multiple shootings and murders in the region since last year.
The constable's arrest follows the recent police killing of Oshane 'Voshy' Davidson, a key figure associated with the King Western faction. Davidson was fatally shot during a confrontation with police in Bridgeport in Portmore, St Catherine, three weeks ago. He was wanted in connection with several violent crimes, including at least one murder, in the St Andrew North Police Division.
Police believe ongoing gang conflicts have pushed criminals out of Florence Hill into neighbouring jurisdictions. Nevertheless, detectives from St Andrew North, working with other divisions, continue efforts to track them down.
“That area has been a concern for us. We've had several curfews in that particular area. I wouldn't say they are gangs, more like two syndicates operating in the space,” noted one senior officer in the division, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the case involving the arrested policeman.
“We suspect that several illegal firearms and persons who are in possession of these firearms are in that area, despite some persons might want to think it is a rural area. But based on the operations of the police, several of these persons have been displaced, causing a lull,” he said, pointing to Davidson's mad rush from the area and subsequent death in St Catherine, several miles away.
Davidson was among one of the top influencers in the space, the senior sleuth noted.
Investigators believe the rivalry includes importing “shooters” from Spanish Town to carry out attacks, particularly in Florence Hill.
ADDITIONAL SEIZURE
Following the constable's arrest, the same police team conducted a search in the neighbouring Mount Charles community. There, they discovered a black shopping bag hidden in debris inside an abandoned building. Inside was a Taurus Armas 9mm pistol, bearing a serial number. No arrests were made in connection with this second seizure.
“We continue to reassure the residents in the King Weston, Florence Hill areas, and the wider St Andrew North Division that we will continue to do our operational activity and maintain high visibility, especially in areas of concern,” the investigator said, urging residents with information to contact the police at the 119 or 311 emergency numbers or the Constant Spring Police Station at 876-924-1421.