Five charged in Manchester fraud and drugs operations, say police

The police have charged five persons following coordinated, day-long operations targeting lottery scams, identity fraud, and illegal drugs across Manchester on Wednesday.

The operations, which ran from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., were conducted simultaneously DeCarteret Road, Red Berry district, and Old Porus district. Seven people were taken into custody, five of whom have now been formally charged, the police said on Friday.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reported that investigators seized more than $1.8 million in cash, along with nine motor vehicles, including a motorcycle.

It said the five have been charged under the Law Reform (Fraudulent Conversion Special Provisions) and the Dangerous Drugs acts/

- Tyrone Campbell, 34, of DeCarteret Road, possession of access device.

- Ashoni Shaw, 33, of Red Berry district, Porus, possession of identity information and possession of access device.

- Kesbert Turner, 45, of DeCarteret Road, possession of ganja and dealing in ganja.

- Victoria Smith, 25, of DeCarteret Road, possession of ganja and dealing in ganja.

- Omellio Brown, 21, of Knock Patrick, possession of identity information and possession of access device.

The JCF said the investigation remains active and that further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.