Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Minister of National Security Derrick Smith (right) congratulates Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds (left) on behalf of Operation Kingfish, while Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas looks on during a press briefing at the Ministry of National Security, on Oxford Road, in St. Andrew, yesterday. Operation Kingfish was celebrating three years in existence. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Two years after a coordinated operation that led to the demise of Donovan 'Bulbie' Bennett, reputed leader of the 'Clansman' gang that terrorized Spanish Town and its environs, Operation Kingfish has promised to intensify its efforts to capture more extortionists.

At a press briefing held yesterday to highlight the achievements of the Counter Narcotics and Major Crimes Task Force (Operation Kingfish) that started three years ago, Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds warned the members of organised gangs.

disturbing news for dealers

"I have disturbing news for all drug dealers and those who are members of organised gangs, the work of Operation Kingfish will not only be continuing, it will be intensified," ACP Hinds said at the briefing held at the Ministry of National Security, on Oxford Road, St. Andrew.

"There will be no respite for the purveyors of evil deeds," he said.

After the briefing, ACP Hinds, head of Operation Kingfish, told The Gleaner that major criminal networks deal in extortion as a means of financing their criminal activities.

Minister of National Security, Derrick Smith, charged Operation Kingfish to break the back of the extortion trade.

"Extortion has contributed to a great extent in the breaking of law and order in our inner cities and many other urban centres," Mr. Smith said.

He cited his own constituency, North West St. Andrew, where businesses have closed because of extortion, resulting in major dislocation and the genesis of unemployment.

In addition, there have been reports of construction sites, public transport operators and vendors being extorted.

"Kingfish will be moving now to identify the leaders in this business (extortion)," the minister told the meeting, which included High Commissioners Jeremy Cresswell, of Britain, Denis Kingsley of Canada, and United States Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson.

Not wanting to disclose strategies to curtail extortion, ACP Hinds said evidence collection mechanisms would be enhanced.

"We understand that there is an abundance of intelligence around the activity so it is about enhancing our investigative capabilities to gather evidence as it relates to the activities of extortionists," he said.

Kingfish's achievements

Operation Kingfish's achievements include the capture and conviction of Kevin 'Richie Poo' Tyndale of the Gideon Warriors gang. Kingfish has also assisted in the conviction of Donald 'Zeeks' Phipps on double-murder charges.

In addition, Kingfish has recovered nearly 300 firearms, more than 21,000 rounds of ammunition, made some 567 arrests and seized thousands of pounds of drugs including cocaine, marijuana and hash oil.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com