Robert Royer and Andrea Downer, Gleaner Writers
Some of the 20 high-powered weapons seized by Operation Kingfish at the Kingston Wharves last night. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
PERSONNEL FROM the anti-crime squad Operation Kingfish seized 20 guns and
ammunition valued in excess of $3 million during a sting at the Kingston Wharves last night.
Head of Kingfish, Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds, told The Gleaner that the gun haul comprised 12 rifles, three shotguns and five handguns.
One hundred and twenty-nine assorted rounds of ammunition and 13 magazines were also seized by the police during the operation conducted about 6:30 p.m.
"This seizure is part of an ongoing investigation surrounding the 'Clansman' organisation in Spanish Town," ACP Hinds said.
He said the guns were consigned to the late 'Clansman' leader, Donovan 'Bulbie' Bennett, who was killed by police during a swoop in Tanaky, Clarendon, on Sunday, October 30.
After Bennett's death, sections of Spanish Town, St. Catherine, erupted with massive demonstrations, with thugs torching a police post, mounting fiery roadblocks and forcing residents to protest against the police.
Bennett's 'Clansman' gang is reputedly linked to the governing People's National Party and runs extortion rackets within the Old Capital.
The late gang leader was the island's most wanted criminal and had been on the run for more than 10 years.
Last week, the police revealed that Bennett had amassed an empire valued at more than $100 million. The 'Clansman' leader was also linked to several businesses and, through cronies, owned about 80 vehicles.
The guns seized yesterday were sent from the United States and were found in secret compartments of two huge wooden crates containing housing fixtures.
No arrest was made in connection with the seizure but ACP Hinds said investigations into the 'Clansman' gang would continue.
