A late-night police operation in Barbican, St. Andrew, led to the arrest of two women. Reports say that these women are suspected of being connected to a series of robberies across the parish. The suspected thieves were intercepted around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to local news outlet Jamaica Observer, they were taken into custody following intelligence gathered by officers from the St. Andrew Central Division. According to police reports, the women were travelling in a motor vehicle believed to have been linked to multiple robbery cases. During the stop and search along Barbican Road, officers found JMD $192,700 and US$175 in their possession.
The arrests prompted searches of the women’s homes, which turned up even more startling discoveries. At one location, police say they found a large amount of cash and a firearm. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, officers found a Taurus .38 revolver hidden under a dresser. There were also six .38 cartridges.
Additionally, a significant amount of foreign and local currency was uncovered, including JMD $429,800, US $12,000, and 840 British pounds.
Both women were taken into custody on the spot following the discovery. Their names are being withheld at this time. The police confirmed they are also suspects in a case of malicious destruction of property and simple larceny reported in the St. Catherine North Police Division.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on organised criminal activity in the Corporate Area. Following the news of the arrest, locals commended the officers, and some expressed their shock that women were culprits in the alleged robberies. Their actions were condemned as people expressed that they should face the consequences of their actions.
Investigators are continuing their probe, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests. For now, the two suspects remain in custody, and formal charges are expected as evidence is reviewed.