ST JAMES, Jamaica — Twelve individuals have been arrested in connection with the seizure of over $27 million in cash during a coordinated anti-lottery scam raid in St James over the last three days.

Of these 12 individuals who were arrested between Thursday and Saturday, the police said six have so far been formally charged following question-and-answer sessions.

“On Thursday, the 5th of June, we launched our initiative, dubbed ‘Scam done, justice a run’. Over those three days, we’ve confiscated over $27 million in cash, US$19,780, Can$200 and £380,” head of the Anti-Lottery Scam Unit in Area One, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dave Brown revealed on Saturday.

A number of high-end vehicles and lottery scamming paraphernalia were also reportedly seized at the locations where the raids were carried out by members of the Anti-Lottery Scam Task Force, Special Operations and the Financial Investigative Division units.

DSP Brown argued that lottery scamming is a major driver of gang activity, which in turn fuels shootings and murders due to conflicts over profits.

He affirmed his team’s strong commitment and determination to relentlessly combat those involved.