Robert Hart, Parliamentary Reporter
MINISTER OF National Security Dr. Peter Phillips said yesterday that Operation Kingfish, the Government's organised crime fighting plan, has cost the state about $50 million.
Dr. Phillips, responding to questions tabled by Opposition MP Clive Mullings last week, said Operation Kingfish has led to nearly 200 arrests for various serious crimes since its inception in October 2004.
The crimes, he said, include illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug offences, murders, shootings, and others.
Dr. Phillips said nearly 100 illegal firearms, more than 1,300 assorted rounds of ammunition and about 12 metric tonnes of cocaine have been seized.
"Within the past week, resulting from five operations conducted, some 30 persons have been arrested on suspicion for serious crimes," Dr. Phillips told the House of Representatives.
He added: "Seven of whom are being interviewed in relation to murder charges and two for shootings in the Corporate Area. The others are still being interviewed with a view to charges being laid."
Dr. Phillips said Operation Kingfish has received contributions from the private sector for advertising campaigns. About $25 million has been spent by the National Security Ministry on paid advertising, he said.
OVERSEAS ASSISTANCE
"In addition we have been getting assistance from our international partners in the form of personnel, equipment, training and intelligence which we estimate to be approximately $150 million," the National Security Minister stated.
Dr. Phillips said it was difficult to provide a precise expenditure figure as Operation Kingfish is funded as part of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)'s overall operations. It covers the purchase of vehicles, equipment, operational goods and services, and advertising.
"Our best estimate would be approximately $50 million, excluding salaries and related benefits for the police officers assigned to the task force," Dr. Phillips said.
Mr. Mullings was not present in the House to follow up on the answers to the questions raised. However, Derrick Smith, Opposition spokesman on national security, questioned the comparative performance of the rest of the JCF.
Dr. Phillips said he did not have the relevant statistics available.
