In a significant crackdown on suspected lottery scamming activities, police arrested two individuals early Tuesday morning at a residence on St. Vincent Boulevard in Caribbean Estate. The operation, led by the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch (CTOC) in collaboration with the St. Catherine South Division, targeted individuals believed to be at the center of these illegal activities.
The arrested suspects, both 32 years old, include a Treasury custodian employed by courier company Beryllium and his common-law spouse, a former employee of the same company. Authorities have indicated that the duo had been under surveillance for an extended period prior to the operation.
During the search of the property, law enforcement officials discovered a staggering cache of cash, including over J$64 million, USD $317,000, £11,550, and various other currencies. The operation also yielded two firearms: a Beretta BU9 compact nine-millimeter pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition and a Taurus nine-millimeter pistol, which was found with a magazine but no ammunition.
Additionally, police confiscated four motor vehicles valued at approximately J$17 million and six mobile phones, believed to be used in their alleged scamming activities.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Anthony McLaughlin, who oversees the CTOC, emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and highlighted the importance of intelligence-led operations in dismantling such networks.
More Stories
Heightened Security in Arnett Gardens After Killing of Alleged Area Leader
Westmoreland Taxi Operator Pleads Guilty to Causing Death by Dangerous Driving
Driver charged in connection with money bags that fell from Beryllium vehicle