WESTERN BUREAU:

Three of the 15 men who were picked up during a joint security operation in Canterbury, Montego Bay, yesterday are still behind bars.

The Gleaner learnt that the other 12 detainees were released after being interviewed and processed by personnel at the Montego Bay Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

Police say the cordon and search operation was aimed at "flushing out" illegal arms, drugs and persons behind the growing violence in the community.

The exercise was carried out by scores of police officers and soldiers with the assistance of the Caribbean Search Centre and a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) helicopter team.

Shoot-out

Canterbury was the scene of a daring shoot-out between rival gangs on September 8. The situation prevented the police from entering the area because of its geographical layout.

In October 2003, the community was the scene of an eight-hour gun battle between heavily armed men and cops. Three alleged gunmen were killed and three policemen were shot and wounded.