ST JAMES, Jamaica – Justice took a significant stride forward this Sunday evening with the apprehension of Jermaine McKenzie, famously known as “Gio,” the St James police division’s prime fugitive. McKenzie’s capture marked an apex achievement for law enforcement as he was rounded up during a focused operation at Harvey Beach along the Rose Hall main road.
McKenzie, a name synonymous with various violent crimes, predominantly murders and shootings, was tightly linked to the disorder brewing in the Flower Hill and Flanker communities. Superintendent Eron Samuels, who helms the St James division, confirmed McKenzie’s capture and highlighted that a Glock pistol was recovered from him during the operation.
In a parallel crackdown on crime, the police scored another victory on Monday with the seizure of two high-powered rifles. Among these was a brand-new Smith & Wesson AR-15 rifle, which was confiscated during an extensive Operation Storm exercise in Gordon Crescent. Alongside the deadly hardware, officers also seized 22 rounds of 5.7mm ammunition, 19 of which were tracer rounds—cartridges designed to assist shooters in improving their aiming accuracy by visibly tracing the projectile’s path.
Superintendent Samuels hailed these recent successes as monumental strides for the division and the embattled communities it serves. “This is a major success for the St James division, bringing to 72 the number of weapons seized since the start of the year. We have seized ten rifles out of this 72 and six weapons over the last two weeks,” stated Superintendent Samuels.
Impressively, these rigorous policing efforts have translated into a tangible downturn in regional violence, with a noted 33 percent reduction in homicides this year, amounting to 43 fewer murders since January. “We are very happy with the successes of the Division. The men and women of the division are working very hard to ensure the safety and security of persons within the division,” Superintendent Samuels added.
The collaborative efforts of the police force continue to reinforce the law and order that is desperately needed. McKenzie’s arrest and the substantial reduction in violent crimes reflect the tenacity and vigilance of the St James police division, promising a safer and more secure environment for its citizens.
