KINGSTON, Jamaica — Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey says the suspected robbers who were on Friday morning shot down during a police operation are believed to be part of a criminal organisation that has been targeting Beryllium Limited.

Addressing the nation following the operation, Bailey said, “There have been several attacks on Beryllium Company, the courier company. One can recall 11 months ago we had a major incident in Mandeville where a significant amount of money was stolen and persons were shot and injured. It’s a continuation of those investigations.”

“It’s basically the same criminal networks that have been involved. I’d like to highlight the fact that what we find is that a number of criminals from different organisations have actually come together in this effort,” Bailey explained.

Four of five suspected robbers were killed during an alleged confrontation with members of the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force in Negril Square, Westmoreland.

Initial reports were that the five robbers were killed during the incident but Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake later confirmed that one of the robbers were being treated in hospital for injuries.

READ: WATCH: Five suspected robbers killed, six firearms seized in Negril

The deceased have not yet been identified.

“This morning the Jamaica Constabulary Force conducted a deliberate and well-coordinated operation in Westmoreland aimed at disrupting and apprehending members of a criminal network planning to execute a major heist,” Dr Blake said, noting that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to deter the activities of criminal organisations.

Six weapons were seized during the incident including three high powered rifles. No officers were harmed, Dr Blake confirmed.

He said Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) are investigating.

In the meantime, President of Beryllium Limited Andre McLean thanked the police, the military and their staff for their unwavering support and dedication in ensuring that Beryllium continues to provide the country with the necessary financial support services.

“Today we can rejoice at the successful operations carried out by the police. It is also a sad reminder of the realities of our country but unknown to everyone is the dedicated unwavering efforts and supports that we have received behind the scenes by the police ever since the major incidents that affect us and the country’s financial sector, not just with the operations today but every day since, to keep the country safe while performing our duties,” McLean said.

“We’ll never rejoice at the death of anyone but it is very hard to forget how our team, our staff, the clients and the country were badly affected by criminals,” he added.

McLean noted that cash in transit and ATM services are high risk in nature as he  encouraged individuals to always exercise caution, while Beryllium is providing those services.