Woman among 10 arrested in suspected extortion racket

   

Ten people, including one woman, are in police custody following a police operation in Chancery Street, St. Andrew on the weekend.

 

Assistant Commissioner Gary McKenzie, head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, said the operation targeted extortionists and persons who pose as loader men who have been harassing taxi and bus operators.

 

He added that some have threatened the operators to force them to pay over money to allow free movement of commuters.

 

ACP McKenzie said those picked up were seen intimidating operators of public passenger vehicles.

 

"These persons were observed, harassing, hindering, obstructing and collecting monies. At times, they appear to be very threatening and they have been continuously attempting to drive fear into motor vehicle operators. It is a problem which is very challenging because we are not getting the full cooperation of some persons who might have been affected. Notwithstanding that, the police continue to do their best and we will not stop at ensuring that the persons who are working so hard to operate their public passenger vehicles are able to do so without being hindered and harassed," he declared. 

 

ACP McKenzie said the police are not able to stamp out the scourge without the assistance of the public. 

 

"We are very much aware that this situation is not one which we can easily stop. Notwithstanding that, we will continue to ensure that we carry out frequent operations and we arrest these persons and put them before the various courts. We are appealing to all persons who may see or may have first-hand information to notify the police. We will not be daunted to carry out our responsibilities, to respond and to make the arrests and prosecutions," he said.