ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – Several alleged members of the vicious Klansman gang were taken into custody while one was shot and killed during a joint police/military operation in St Catherine on Thursday morning, says Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey.

DCP Bailey has indentified the deceased as Suman McFarlane, a 29-year-old labourer of Ellerslie Pen in the parish. McFarlane reportedly fired shots at the police during the operation.

In addition, a motor vehicle, cash, luxury items and clothing, estimated to be valued at $3 million were also seized at a location in Old Harbour, St Catherine.

“Today’s operation culminated a nine-month-long investigation led by the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch (CTOC) which resulted in a series of arrests over the period,” he said.

“To date, 31 members of the gangs have been taken into custody. These persons arrested are being held for several offences which include murders and shootings. This particular investigation focuses on a section of the gang under the direction of the incarcerated leader Tesha Miller, otherwise called ‘Hombre’ of Dela Vega City in Spanish Town, St Catherine,” DCP Bailey noted.

The Klansman gang is currently listed among the top five criminal organisations operating in Jamaica. Most of its operations were carried out in Spanish Town and surrounding communities. It also has influenced bordering parishes such as Clarendon, Manchester, St Ann, St James and Kingston, according to DCP Bailey.

Still, he expressed it is “evident that our anti-gang strategy is working,” adding that the Jamaica Constabulary Force will continue to focus its efforts in disrupting criminal organisations in the country.

“This investigation has linked the Klans gang to approximately 800 murders since 2014. In 2008, 80 gangs have accounted for 80 per cent of the murders committed in our country. This year it accounted for 60 per cent of the murders recorded,” he pointed out.

“And I believe that we will continue this effort and step by step we will ensure that Jamaica is safer as we bring it to the gangs…We will use our skills, competencies, and technologies in a quest to create a secure environment for the citizens of Jamaica,” he added.

DCP Bailey noted that the operation was supported by internal and external to include the Major Investigation Division, St Catherine North and South Divisions, the Proactive Investigative Unit, the St Catherine Scenes of Crime Unit, the Nation Intelligence Bureau, the JCF’s Special Operations Branch, the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch and the Jamaica Defence Force.

He added that the team has also worked in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.