Kudos for cops
Published:Friday | June 17, 2011 | 12:00 AM
- Family gives thumbs up to lawmen after kidnap victim returned unharmed
Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator
As the police intensified their probe into Wednesday's kidnapping of a St Andrew businessman, two more persons, including the alleged mastermind, who is an ex-policeman, were picked up late yesterday afternoon by top sleuths of the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
Head of the CIB, Assistant Commissioner Ealan Powell, explained that earlier in the day, 10 persons, including two women, were also detained shortly after the victim, Marc Frankson, was found at a house in Passagefort, Portmore, St Catherine.
"As we speak, the detainees are still being interrogated. We don't know where our investigation will lead to, but we are looking for a number of other persons," said Powell.
Searching for suspects
But further information reaching The Gleaner was that up to last night, a special team of detectives was busy combing a number of communities in search of suspects from the Portmore and Waterhouse areas.
"The businessman was rescued within 16 hours after we activated our strategic kidnapping plan," stressed Powell.
Police reports relating to the incident were that the businessman was rescued about 1:15 yesterday morning, following operational initiatives by members of the Police Mobile Reserve and the Tactical Training Unit. The police said a 9mm Beretta pistol and thirteen 9mm cartridges were seized during the operation.
Demanded ransom
The Gleaner understands that Frankson was kidnapped in Norbrook, St Andrew. The kidnappers took his black Infinity motor car. Allegations are that the kidnappers were demanding a ransom of US$500,000.
"I am happy to say that no money was paid for the return of the businessman," the senior officer said.
In a release issued through the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association yesterday, Frankson's family said they wished to go on record in thanking the island's security forces for their professional and caring response.
"We also have to thank all the persons who worked behind the scenes, called to keep our spirits high and encouraged us during this very trying time," the family said.
Calling for Jamaicans to support the security forces by providing information and respect, they added: "If events had gone any other way than they did early this morning, no blame could be placed at the feet of the security forces. They worked with little resources and obtained intelligence following all leads which led to success."