KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in partnership with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), launched a major operational initiative ‘Operation Relentless II’, which aims to target criminal gangs and gangsters involved in violent crimes or other aspects of the illicit gun trade.

The initiative, which was launched on Friday, September 23, will place emphasis on the divisions that have the highest levels of violent crimes, including associated lottery scamming and narcotics activities, which funds illicit gun trade in Jamaica, the law enforcers said.

In addition, ongoing conflicts among people involved in the scamming underworld, as well as internal conflicts within criminal organisations over illegal firearms and ill-gotten gains have been considered some of the major drivers of the recent violent uprisings.

As such, the Operation Relentless II comes in anticipation of the new Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act that is expected to bring tougher penalties for owners and users of illegal guns.

Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, indicated that the launch of Operation Relentless II follows ongoing intelligence and data analysis of the violent crimes committed in the divisions of concern.

He said that a series of joint planning activities with the JDF as well as plans developed at the JCF high command, area and divisional command levels will be executed under the new initiative.

“This operation features a suite of specific and planned tactical operations designed to target those gunmen, scammers and other criminals who have no regard for life, and who have been behind the recent shootings and murders,” he said.

“We have been gathering intelligence on persons who are funding these violent crimes through lottery scamming and drug trafficking activities with a view to prosecution. We will also be working with other local and overseas law enforcement partners to capture and extradite some of these persons,” he added.

In addition, more manpower and mobility support is being allocated to the divisions of focus to resource the planned operations.

“If you see unusual numbers of police and military carrying out activities in your communities don’t be alarmed,” he cautioned.

“It is part of a series of intelligence and data-driven operations that will be carried out across several divisions throughout the rest of the year.”

Members of the public are being asked to exercise patience and cooperation as the security forces carry out these operations.

The JCF and JDF are also imploring the public to report any strange person seen in the respective communities and be on the lookout for wanted persons.

Citizens can contact the JCF at the JCF Tipline (811), Police Emergency at 119 or CRIME STOP at 311.