16 Detained, Firearm Seized in St. Elizabeth Police Operation

An extensive police operation in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, resulted in the detention of 16 people and the seizure of a prohibited firearm. The operation, which targeted communities within the Santa Cruz policing areas, including Leeds, Goshen, Seven Corners, and Providence Acres, began around 4:00 am on Monday and concluded without incident.

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The areas targeted were largely communities in the Santa Cruz policing areas. These areas include Leeds, Goshen, Seven Corners, Providence Acres. At the end of the operation, 16 persons were detained for questioning. One prohibited 9mm Taurus pistol was also seized during a raid at a premises.

Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St. Elizabeth police division, stated that a 9mm Taurus pistol was recovered during a raid on a premises. He highlighted the cooperation of the citizens during the operation and noted that no force was used, as the individuals at the premises cooperated with the police. Those detained will face legal proceedings.

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The cooperation of the citizens is also commendable. I want to also highlight that, notwithstanding that a firearm was seized this morning at one of the premises, there was no use of force. The persons at this particular premises cooperated with the police, and they will have their day in court.

Superintendent Minto issued a stern warning to wanted individuals, urging them to turn themselves in. He emphasized that targeted operations will continue against those committing criminal offenses such as murder, robbery, and shootings. The police also reported that a murder suspect voluntarily surrendered over the weekend. Additionally, Sergeant Albert Simpson reported that over 100 tickets were issued for traffic violations during the operation, underscoring a continued focus on traffic enforcement despite a reduction in road fatalities compared to the previous year.

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We will continue these targeted operations. There are a number of persons in St Elizabeth who are going about committing criminal offences, to include murder, robberies and shootings. We must be very clear that we are going after them.