The St. James police have taken into custody a woman believed to be the leader of a violent robbery gang that has terrorized victims across Jamaica.
The woman, known only by the alias “Toots,” and several of her key associates were captured on Sunday, October 5, during a targeted operation in Montego Bay — just days after the October 1 launch of Operation Endgame, which police say has been producing strong results.
According to Superintendent Lynroy Edwards, Operations Officer of St. James Police Division, “On Sunday about 7:30 p.m., Toots and six men connected to the robbery syndicate were apprehended at Dome Lane in Montego Bay following two robberies in the township.”
Superintendent Edwards said the arrest marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on organized crime. “We are very pleased to have made such a significant dent in this gang. Even though several members had already been arrested — and one fatally shot during a confrontation — the gang continued to operate due to its size. The capture of this dangerous female leader and her lieutenants is a major success,” he said.
Police had recently identified Toots publicly during a press conference, linking her to a string of robberies targeting Chinese-owned businesses in western Jamaica. The arrest operation also resulted in the seizure of a Toyota Axio allegedly used in the crimes, several rounds of ammunition, ski masks, cell phones, and other suspected stolen items.
Superintendent Edwards confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that charges are expected soon. The arrests follow a series of recent breakthroughs under Operation Endgame, including the charging of 10 other individuals linked to the same criminal network.
Since its launch, Operation Endgame has yielded over 30 arrests for various offences including robbery, larceny, firearm and ammunition possession, drug trafficking, sexual assault, and public order breaches. It follows previous anti-crime initiatives Operation Storm One and Operation Storm Two, but with intensified focus and resources.
In another success under the operation, police intercepted a car along Jimmy Cliff Boulevard early Saturday morning. Three men were arrested after officers found an electronic car-theft device and other incriminating evidence linking them to a major islandwide car-stealing syndicate.
The operation continued Monday with the recovery of a revolver along the Barrett Town main road, though no arrests were made in that incident.
Superintendent Edwards reaffirmed the division’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements: “Our operations will continue daily and with even greater intensity. We are determined to make St. James one of the safest places in the Caribbean.”
