Durrant Pate/Contributor 

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Specialised Investigation Branch has made significant progress against organised crime over the past week, resulting in 19 gang members in custody, millions in cash seized and prohibited weapons removed from the streets.

In their latest operation, on Tuesday, August 11 about 11:40 a.m., members of the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division (NSAD) of the SIB, executed a search warrant at the Petrojam Mobay Terminal in Freeport, Montego Bay. During the operation, a Palmetto State 9mm pistol, 101 rounds of mixed ammunition, suppressors, tactical gear, US$1,780 and other paraphernalia were seized.

This latest seizure comes closely on the heels of the disruption and degradation of the Genasyde Gang under the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisation Act), where 19 members, including the reputed leader, 39-year-old Tefari Green, were charged with various violent crimes spanning five parishes between 2021 and 2026. Green was charged with Leadership of a Criminal Organisation. 

Relentless pursuit of criminal networks 

The SIB’s relentless pursuit of criminal networks has also led to several other major operational successes over the past week, including multiple operations across Montego Bay, St. James. On August 6, about midday, 228 rounds of ammunition were seized in Fairview, Montego Bay and 40-year-old Vachel Whitter was arrested and charged for Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Unauthorised Possession of Ammunition, Dealing in a Prohibited Weapon, Stockpiling Prohibited Weapon and Trafficking in a Prohibited Weapon this seizure. 

Hours later, about 2:50 p.m., 200 rounds of ammunition were seized during an operation on Fairview Road, St. James. Thirty-two-year-old Jermaine Graham and 23-year-old Shamoy Staple were charged with Unauthorised Possession of Ammunition, Stockpiling Prohibited Weapons and Trafficking Prohibited Weapon, Possession