THE Jamaican police unit that specialises in tracking and arresting fugitives has been asked by American, Canadian and British law enforcement agencies to help them locate 26 Jamaicans wanted in those countries and who are believed to be hiding here.

Twenty-one of the suspects are wanted by United States Federal Marshals, four by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), while the other is being sought by England’s Scotland Yard.

Although warrants have been issued for the arrests of the fugitives, head of the National Firearm and Drug Intelligence Centre (NFDIC), Assistant Commissioner of Police Walcott Brown yesterday declined to give their names.

“The suspects are wanted by these countries in connection with allegations of murder, trafficking drugs, fraud and a range of firearm offences,” Brown told the Observer.

He said the Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team (JFAT) is now searching for the fugitives, while Interpol is also assisting the various police organisations in locating and capturing the suspects.

JFAT has been credited with the capture of over 26 international fugitives in recent times and was last year made honorary US Marshals in recognition of their effectiveness.

Police statistics show that between 1999 when the unit was formed, and December last year, 40 fugitives were arrested, placed before the court, tried and 28 extradited. The data also shows that eight other suspects who have faced the local criminal courts are still in Jamaica, as they have lodged appeals against their extradition.

Brown also disclosed that two other cases, which were being processed for extradition, were dismissed by the courts because one fugitive was killed while on bail and the other is now on the run after escaping custody.

Last month, JFAT captured Wayne Anthony Davis in Smithville, Clarendon. Davis, a Jamaican, was wanted in Maryland, USA for the 1988 shooting and injuring of Prince George County police officer, Howard L Norris. He is alleged to have absconded bail and fled to Jamaica.

When he appeared in the Half-Way-Tree Criminal Court last week, he surrendered his right to contest his extradition.

Police say the magistrate has signed his extradition warrant and Davis is awaiting US Marshals to collect him.