Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter
Inspector Donald McFarlane (left) displays a Sig Saur handgun which was recovered from a 54-year-old woman, yesterday. Reports are that the weapon was found in the woman's possession after her son, who has been described as one of "St. James' most wanted criminals", was arrested by the police on Monday. His identity has been withheld. Looking on is Assistant Commissioner of Police Keith 'Trinity' Gardner, who is in charge of the Area One police. - CLAUDINE HOUSEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER.
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE AREA One police said they are spearheading a zero-tolerance campaign against women who, they say, are protecting male relatives involved in criminal activities.
Following yesterday's arrest of a 54-year-old woman on gun-related charges, as part of its Operation Alpha initiative, the police have declared that "warnings are over" and more arrests will follow.
One of the women who has been charged under this new initiative is Verona Williams, a housewife of Cave Village in Mount Carey, St. James.
"I want to sensitise the baby mothers, mothers and grandmothers that they will not enjoy sympathy from the police and the community when they continue to hide weapons and after the fact, hinder police investigations and work," stated Assistant Commissioner of Police Keith 'Trinity' Gardener, head of the Area One Police Division.
SON DETAINED
He said the gun belonged to Williams' 24-year-old son, who was detained late Monday night.
The son, who was described as "one of St. James' most wanted criminals", is scheduled to face a series of police identification parades for several murders and robberies committed in the parish.
ACP Gardener, who was addressing a press conference in Montego Bay, said the woman's 10-year-old grandson was also taken into protective custody following reports of his alleged involvement in unlawful activities.
"The minor, who our intelligence suggests has been used at times to carry weapons, will be placed in the care of the competent authorities," the ACP added. "We have been told that he is a very promising child and whatever actions we take after, will have to be in his best interests."
The senior cop said Williams was arrested at midday following the seizure of a Sig Saur 9mm pistol and four live rounds at her home.
Operation Alpha is a six-week-old crime initiative aimed at stemming crime and disorder in the police divisions of St. James, Trelawny, Hanover and Westmoreland.
