Police have revealed that the seizure of a shipment of 19 guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition from the United States last year resulted in focus being placed on the Dexter Street gang in Westmoreland.

Head of the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Branch Assistant Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey says the shipment of guns was destined for the gang.

He notes that in November 2017, a container with 19 firearms and over 4 thousand rounds of ammunition was seized at a container terminal in Kingston.

Out of its investigations Ctoc was able to determine among other things who finances the gang.

While the 17 gang members have been arrested and charged, ACP Bailey states that three members of the gang are believed to be off the island.

They are Shadane Robinson, otherwise called ‘Gargon’, believed to be the leader of the Dexter Street gang who absconded bail, Juhane Barnes, otherwise called ‘Speng Shell’, and Oshane Rankine, otherwise called ‘Shabba’.

Ctoc says it will continue to pursue those who are responsible for creating mayhem in the society, and those responsible for killing innocent people.

Meanwhile, sixteen alleged members of the Dexter Street gang in Westmoreland appeared in the Home Circuit Court today (May 16).

They have been remanded to return to court on different dates between June and July when bail applications will be made and legal representation settled.

One of the alleged members was ordered to return next week Thursday for bail application.

They appeared before Chief Justice Bryan Sykes.

Four women were among the 16 who were brought to court this afternoon.

They are facing charges under the criminal justice suppression of a criminal organization or the anti-gang legislation and accused of being a part of a criminal organization.