Eighteen held after St. Ann police raids in Ocho Rios

Eighteen people are in police custody after an early-morning security sweep in St. Ann that centred on Ocho Rios, with a major focus on the Paradise community.

Senior Superintendent Carlos Russell led the St. Ann Police Division operation, backed by the Special Operations Unit, the Canine Division, the Area Fugitive Apprehension Team and detectives. Officers said the raids were intelligence-driven and aimed at persons of interest and locations tied to active criminal probes in the parish.

Of those detained, three are to be charged with breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act. The remaining detainees are being questioned about other serious offences linked to the St. Ann Police District. Investigators are still reviewing each case to decide who will face formal charges.

Police framed the exercise as part of a broader drive to break up criminal networks, seize illegal firearms and strengthen public safety across St. Ann. SSP Russell said the division’s operational work is yielding results, pointing to a marked drop in gang-related violence. He said many of the offences now being recorded stem from domestic disputes and interpersonal conflict rather than gang activity.

Russell said his team is working in communities to help residents settle those conflicts without violence and to urge people to talk through problems instead of fighting. He expects those efforts to cut domestic-related incidents further over time.

Authorities said similar intelligence-led operations will continue across the parish as officers keep pressure on criminal elements and hunt wanted persons.

“St. Ann is no safe haven. And my team is out there every day. And if you're here to commit crimes, we will find them. So, what I'm saying to them, stay out of St. Ann. But if you come to St. Ann, you will be caught,” SSP Russell said.