NEGRIL, Westmoreland — Four of five men in a group linked to the ongoing attack on money couriers were shot and killed during what has been described as a four-hour-long operation by the police in Negril on Friday morning. The fifth man was admitted to hospital for gunshot wounds.

Following the incident, high-powered guns were seized the police, as a bullet-riddled motor car some of the men were reportedly travelling in was left partially submerged in the sea and a boat used as a bar was damaged by bullets.

People on the scene compared what took place to that of an action scene in a movie.

Security Minister Dr Horace Chang said the men were part of a team that been carrying out attacks on the cash transfer vehicles, “and I have to commend the security team for their long and hard work. They have been successful on this occasion and I commend them”, Chang said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Deputy commissioner of police in charge of crime, Fitz Bailey pointed out that the operation is a result of an ongoing investigation that started in February 2023. To date, eight persons have been placed before the courts in relation to the robberies of armoured vehicles that carry cash.

The police reported that between 6:00 am and 10:00 am, members of its Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch were acting on intelligence when they intercepted vehicles with armed men aboard.

“Unfortunately, they chose to engage the police, resulting in a gunfight. As a result, five gunmen were shot — four died and one is currently being treated after being rushed to the hospital by the police,” said Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake.

Commissioner Blake said the operation underscores the security force’s commitment to combating criminal activities and dismantling criminal networks.

“We want to send a clear message to all criminal elements that their actions will not be tolerated, and the JCF will take decisive measures to protect the public and uphold the rule of law,”added Blake.

Bailey said two M16 rifles, one AK-47, one Glock pistol, a 9mm pistol, and a .38 pistol were taken from the scene.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, meanwhile, commended the police for improved operations aimed at strategically dealing with crime in the country.

Andre McLean, president of Beryllium — one of the companies targeted by criminals — also congratulated the police for their work and continued support.

“We will never rejoice at the death of anyone but it is very hard to forget how our team, our staff, our clients, and the country was badly affected by criminals…[so] while the public may have moved on to the next topical news item, we and the police most certainly have not. And it would be remiss of me not to remind everyone that cash-in-transit services and ATM services are high-risk in nature, and we want persons to always exercise caution while we are providing the service.

“But again, I’d like to thank the police, the military, and all well-thinking Jamaicans, and especially our staff members, for the ongoing and unwavering support,” stated McLean.

President of Negril Chamber of Commerce Elaine Allen Bradley also commended the police for a “well-planned and well-executed” operation. “I gathered some tourists were there and were a bit scared but, thank God, nobody from the public got hurt and none of the police got hurt,” Allen Bradley said.

Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western, the Jamaica Labour Party’s Morland Wilson, who visited the scene, was happy for the recovery of weapons.

“We have seen where several [pieces of] legislation have been put in Parliament to stem and reduce incidences of crime across the country — and to see it operationalised where the police have now removed several guns at once is a massive achievement,”said Wilson.

Commissioner Blake, in an interview, urged criminals to peacefully surrender and cooperate with the police. “Confronting highly trained police officers poses significant risks and can lead to lethal consequences. We encourage anyone with information to come forward and share what you know,” said Blake who warned that harbouring criminals is an offence.

Bullet-riddled Toyota Axio motor car partially submerged in the sea.

Bullet-riddled Toyota Axio motor car partially submerged in the sea.