JCF targeting gang leaders

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is intensifying its efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, targeting reputed gang leaders in a bid to restore safety and order.

Since the start of 2024, the JCF has seen significant developments with the investigations and arrests of notorious figures, according to Senior Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, head of the Constabulary Communications Network.

On Wednesday, Marvin 'Papa' Markland, the reputed "area leader" of Goldsmith Villa, St Andrew, was fatally shot during a confrontation involving the police, who were on an operation, and armed men. Earlier in May, in a similar operation, Sheldon Walters, also known as 'Termite', met his end in the Top Bank community of Spanish Town, St Catherine. Walters was reportedly shot dead by members of the St Catherine North Police Division. Both Markland and Walters were high-profile targets in the JCF's ongoing efforts to curb gang-related activities.

"A number of them have been cut down in their gang-related activities and criminality," she stated. Although specific statistics were not disclosed due to ongoing investigations, Lindsay expressed confidence in the progress made so far this year.

"To some extent, there has been a significant amount of intelligence gathered in the capture of these persons. The perspective that we are looking at is that they are coming out in numbers, so as soon as there is one so-called leader, another is putting up either him or her head," Lindsay noted, indicating that female gang leaders have also been apprehended.

Lindsay highlighted the JCF's strategy of continuous surveillance and quick response to new intelligence.

"As soon as we gather the information, we run the investigation and we are on foot and we are in and about the surroundings, patrolling all corners to ensure that people are safe and not controlled by the gangs," she said.