KINGSTON, Jamaica — The first anti-gang trial involving Uchence Wilson, the alleged leader of a gang, that reportedly terrorised people in seven parishes, is set to begin today in the Home Circuit Court.

The 27-year-old Wilson and 23 alleged gang members, including four women and two police officers, are set for a three-month trial. A 25th gangster is to be tried separately on June 11.

They will answer to various charges, including breaches of the Criminal Justice Suppression of Criminal Organisations Act (Anti-Gang Legislation), being part of a criminal organisation, illegal possession of firearm, as well as facilitating serious offence by a criminal organisation.

The matter will be presided over by Chief Justice Bryan Skyes and will be prosecuted by two senior deputy director of public prosecutions, one assistant director of public prosecution and a crown counsel.

The gang, which is said to have gained more than $400 million from their illegal activities across the island, and were allegedly responsible for 12 licensed firearms that were reported stolen during 18 robberies, was busted in December 2017.

The gang is said to have wreaked havoc in St Catherine, Clarendon, St Andrew, St Mary, Manchester, Trelawny, and St Ann.

Tanesha Mundle