The St James police believe they have smashed a major extortion ring that had become a life-threatening issue for vendors in the Old Shoe Market in Montego Bay, St James.

This follows the capture of the parish's most-wanted man, Anthony Christie, also called 'Bolo', who was nabbed on Wednesday.

Christie, a resident of Bottom Pen in the parish, was held during a sting operation in Montego Bay. He has been reportedly linked to several murders committed there. Head of the St James police, Superintendent Steve McGregor, could not be reached for comment.

fear

However, according to other police sources, the extortion racket drove fear into vendors who, in recent times, had become too afraid to speak with the police despite the witnessing of daylight shootings in the market.

This at times forced the early closure of the market, which used to remain open until late at nights.

In addition to having to pay daily fees for operating in the market, the police say the alleged extortionists regularly visited the market and took items against the will of the vendors.

The police were alerted and after subsequent investigations, Christie was identified as the suspect behind the deadly racket.

Two murders and a shooting incident, which occurred close to the market earlier this year, were theorised to have occurred as a result of the racket.

In addition to that double murder, police sources also told THE STAR that Christie has been linked to more than 20 murders in the parish.

Christie was placed on the parish's most-wanted list last Thursday and a $100,000 reward offered for his capture.