$22 million seized, two arrested in lottery scamming bust in St James

The police today seized J$22 million along with foreign currencies and arrested a man and a woman during an anti-lottery scamming operation at a premises in Rosemount, St James.

The operation, which was carried out by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Financial Investigations Division, and the Area One Anti-Lottery Scam Unit, also saw the seizure of US$10,000, 380 British pounds and $200 Canadian. 

Deputy Superintendent Dave Brown, who heads the police's Area One Anti-Lottery Scam Unit, says the man has since been charged over an illegal electricity connection discovered at the house.

He said further investigations are to be undertaken regarding lottery scamming and charges are expected to be laid.

“St James is currently enjoying a reduction in shootings and murders. So, we want criminals and the general public to know that we are relentless in our fight against crime,” Brown told The Gleaner.

Brown said today's operation is a part of an initiative called "Scamming Done, Justice a Run". 

“We first launched the initiative on Thursday of this week and the results have been promising,” Brown said.

The senior crime fighter said the programme has led to at least six arrests, including two today, and the seizure of several high-end motor vehicles. 

“Several BMWs, Audis, Mercedes-Benzes, and Toyota Crowns have been seized since we launched on Thursday, and we are expecting more in the coming operations,” Brown said. 

- Kenrick Morgan

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