In a bold move, members of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (CTOC) swooped in on Ocho Rios, St. Ann, seizing a staggering $200 million worth of counterfeit products.
Deputy Superintendent Victor Barrett, leading CTOC’s Intellectual Property Unit, revealed to Radio Jamaica News that the raid was a part of the relentless crackdown on the surge of fake goods inundating the island.
“Here, within this establishment, we unearthed many counterfeit items from renowned brands such as Crocs, Nike, Puma, Gucci, Supreme, and more. Behind me looms a colossal warehouse brimming with counterfeit merchandise in every conceivable form,” disclosed the high-ranking officer, appraising the value of the seized goods at approximately J$250 million.
A Chinese national has been apprehended concerning the seizure and is slated to face charges under the Trade Mark Act.
DSP Barrett affirmed the ongoing commitment of CTOC to dent the illicit trade in counterfeit goods.
“I persistently emphasize that purchasing counterfeit products is detrimental in myriad ways. It tarnishes our nation’s reputation and perpetuates the perception of Jamaica as a dumping ground for counterfeit wares. Moreover, these items may pose health hazards due to their inferior quality. Ultimately, the financial gains from this illicit trade fuel organized crime, contributing to the turmoil within our society,” cautioned the determined officer.
DSP Barrett
Doctor arrested in Clansman Gang investigation to face charges.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has stated that the well-known medical doctor, who stands accused of having ties to the Clansman Gang, will face charges within the next 24 hours.
DCP Bailey has confirmed that the 65-year-old doctor, whose practice is located in the Young Street area of Spanish Town, was identified in a parade on Wednesday, April 18, 2024.
The necessary processes will be carried out, and formal charges will be brought by Thursday, April 18, 2024.
He further emphasized that the medical doctor is expected to be charged under the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organizations) Act for providing services to the criminal underworld.
Additionally, twenty-two alleged members of the Clansman Gang have already been apprehended and are currently awaiting trial at the Home Circuit Court.
These defendants, including the alleged gang leader, Tesha Miller, are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
The accused individuals, charged under the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organizations) Act, widely known as the anti-gang legislation, are alleged to have been involved in various criminal activities between August 5, 2017, and August 22, 2022, in St. Catherine as purported members of the Clansman Gang.
The charges against them include:
- Murder.
- Conspiracy to murder.
- Attempted murder.
- Robbery with aggravation.
- Illegal possession of firearms and illegal possession of ammunition.
Security guard charged with abduction after taking child from institution without permission.
SHOCKING INCIDENT IN KINGSTON, JAMAICA
In a disturbing incident in Kingston, a security guard has been charged with the alleged abduction of a child from an institution on West Guango Crescent. Saskia Aaron, a 31-year-old security guard from Mona Common, Kingston 7, is at the center of this shocking case.
Allegedly, the complainant arrived to pick up his child, only to be informed that someone else had already taken the child. It was later discovered that Aaron had taken the child without the parent’s consent.
The situation escalated when the child’s mother confronted Aaron on Waltham Park Road and managed to retrieve the child, subsequently jumping from Aaron’s vehicle.
Following a police investigation, Aaron’s vehicle was intercepted, leading to her arrest and subsequent charging. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of children in Kingston.
A police officer sustained injuries while attempting to thwart a robbery at the Half Way Tree plaza.
A member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force sustained injuries on Wednesday afternoon while intervening in an armed robbery at a plaza in Half Way Tree, St. Andrew.
According to reports from Radio Jamaica News, around 12:15 p.m., the officer responded to a robbery at an electronics store at Central Plaza, resulting in an exchange of gunfire with the perpetrators.
During the shootout, the officer suffered injuries to both arms. Although initial reports suggested that the injuries were caused by gunfire, a senior Commander later clarified to Radio Jamaica News that this was not the case.
The injured officer received medical treatment and has since been discharged. It is believed that one of the robbers was also injured in the exchange.
Furthermore, as per a report by Radio Jamaica News, the robbers subjected the store owner to severe physical assault, leading to their hospitalization for treatment.
Efforts are underway to locate the perpetrators of the robbery.