Preliminary investigations by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) into the ‘appearance’ of Haitian nationals in Portmore, St Catherine are suggesting a link to the illicit guns for drugs trade between criminal elements from both islands. 

The JCF, in a statement on Tuesday (April 6), said that the detectives attached to the St Catherine South police division, following leads after arresting four Haitians on Sunday, were led to premises in Braeton where 1,000 pounds of compressed ganja was seized.

“So far, the investigation has indicated that the men entered the island illegally and are facilitators in the Guns for Drugs Trade. On Tuesday, April 6, a joint police/military team carried out operations in the Braeton community where over 1000 pound of compressed marijuana was seized. The St Catherine South Police will continue to target players, in the trade,” the statement indicated.

As reported earlier by Our Today two days ago, the Haitian nationals were arrested in Naggo Head, St Catherine. 

• Related article: Amid all-day curfew, police arrest four Haitians in St Catherine

While it is still not clear if the Haitians were intercepted in transit, an islandwide no-movement curfew was in effect. The JCF, at the time, launched a probe in collaboration with the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), as well as the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), to ascertain how they got into Jamaica.

In the meantime, the police continue to appeal to anyone that can assist their investigation to contact the St Catherine North Police at 876-984-2305 and 876-984-4490 or Crime Stop at 311.