WESTMORELAND, Jamaica —Fifty-six people have been detained in a joint Security Force operation conducted recently in Peggy Barry district, Grange Hill, Westmoreland.

Nine persons-of-interest were among the 56 detained, and those were taken to the Corporate Area to be processed, the police said at a press conference earlier today. The nine consists of seven males, six of whom are members of the King Valley gang, and two females who are involved with the gang members.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime (CTOC) Branch, Fitz Bailey, at the press conference, said that the police are committed to going wherever the criminals are and wherever the evidence lead.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, whether you are police, you’re a pastor, you’re a politician, or just an ordinary citizen. Once we have the evidence we intend to pursue it,” said Bailey.

TheWestmoreland operation, according to ACP Bailey, was not only to identify gang members but to disrupt the activities of criminals and to reassure the citizens.

So far, 27 members of the King Valley gang have been identified, Bailey said, adding that investigations will continue to ensure that other people in the gang are brought to justice.

ACP Bailey also emphasised that the issue of crime and violence is not a police matter, but rather a societal matter.

“My message to the family of those involved in criminal activities is to try and encourage them to desist from their criminality. If you have been involved and you want to change your lifestyle I would suggest that you identify a pastor or a justice of the peace or call us at C-TOC (876-967-1389 ) we will be willing to have a discussion with you to show you the pathway to escape a criminal lifestyle”.