38 weapons, ammo seized in JDF operations

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is reporting that operations conducted by the military last year resulted in the recovery of 38 weapons, 1,166 rounds of ammunition and 36 magazines.

It also said it supported the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), in 5,053 patrols, 135 raids and 35 curfews.

The collaboration was part of the ongoing effort to remove illegal guns, ammunition and narcotics from the streets and to restrict criminal gang activities.

In a statement issued this morning, the JDF said its joint police/military activities resulted in the capture and detention of a number of Jamaica’s most dangerous and influential criminals.

Some of them are now being held at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre.

According to the JDF, its involvement at the Centre has helped in curtailing the ability of high-risk inmates to influence the activities of their affiliated gangs.

The JDF said it worked alongside the JCF, in destroying about 272 hectares of growing marijuana and over 11, 288 kilograms of cured marijuana valued at $420 billion.

It said the JDF Coast Guard recovered more than 3,655 pounds of marijuana and 230 pounds of cocaine from vessels at sea.

The military said its search and rescue operations in 2011 also prevented the loss of 180 lives.

It said governmental agencies received support from the JDF via construction projects led by the JDF’s Engineer Regiment.

The construction projects included ongoing renovation of the Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre in Downtown Kingston and design and construction of the Falmouth Police Station which is expected to be concluded this year.

editorial@gleanerjm.com