Police in St James have launched Operation Endgame, a new anti-crime initiative aimed at dismantling a female-led robbery syndicate known to be active in the parish. Authorities say the group, led by a woman identified only as Toots, has been targeting businesses, including Chinese-owned establishments. The operation comes amid a significant decline in murders and shootings across the parish.
Key Details
The initiative was formally announced during a press briefing in Montego Bay on Thursday by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Eron Samuels, head of the St James Police Division.
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The syndicate, led by a woman known as Toots, is accused of orchestrating robberies in the parish.
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Police report that over a dozen suspected members have already been arrested. Five were recently taken into custody with firearms seized.
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Deputy Superintendent Michael Moore, crime chief for St James, noted that the arrests have provided some relief to the Chinese business community, which has been a frequent target.
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Some remaining gang members are believed to have fled to neighboring parishes.
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Operation Endgame is designed to build on the successes of previous anti-crime efforts, Storm One and Storm Two, and will run into the new year.
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Police statistics show murders in St James have fallen from 102 to 43 year-on-year, a 57.8 percent reduction, while shootings dropped from 89 to 42, representing a 52.8 percent decline.
Authorities stressed their goal is to keep annual murders in the parish below 100 for the year.
Background
St James has long been one of Jamaica’s most violent parishes, with high levels of gang activity, robberies, and murders. The area has been the focus of several security initiatives over the past decade, including Zones of Special Operations and targeted police-military campaigns.
Previous crackdowns, such as Operation Storm One and Storm Two, were credited with reducing violence but officials argue further measures are needed to ensure lasting peace, especially during the busy Yuletide season and peak tourism arrivals.
Operation Endgame expands on those initiatives by pooling police resources, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and specialized branches, with added emphasis on praedial larceny, which affects food security and rural communities.
Quotes
Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels:
“For this quarter, we will be fully pursuing this female-led robbery syndicate. We’ll be pushing hard to ensure that robberies are reduced. Our efforts will be relentless in ensuring that this syndicate is fully demolished.”
Deputy Superintendent Michael Moore:
“We have arrested more than a dozen perpetrators who we believe form part of this syndicate. Recently, we had five arrested and firearms were seized from them. The Chinese business community is breathing a sigh of relief.”
Superintendent Lynroy Edwards, Operations Officer for St James:
“This operation is to basically end badness and criminality in St James for good. The gangs have been feeling our effectiveness, and they are going to feel it even more.”
Analysis
The introduction of Operation Endgame highlights the persistence of organized crime in Jamaica and the adaptability of gangs. The identification of a female-led syndicate challenges traditional perceptions of gang leadership. Police are framing this initiative not just as a security crackdown but also as a means to restore community confidence, boost local business security, and safeguard tourism.
The reduction in murders and shootings so far this year is notable, though sustainability will depend on the ability to prevent regrouping of criminal networks.
Our Opinion
Operation Endgame represents a decisive step by law enforcement to combat organized crime in St James. The sharp decline in murders and shootings is encouraging, but continued vigilance is required to maintain these gains. The community’s cooperation will be crucial in supporting police efforts, particularly in addressing praedial larceny and ensuring long-term peace. Lasting security in the parish will depend not only on operations like Endgame but also on sustained social and economic initiatives that reduce the appeal of criminal networks.
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