MOCA raid at St Catherine Municipal Corporation focused on searches; no arrests made yet

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) says no arrests have been made in this morning's operations as they were primarily aimed at executing search warrants.

The searches, done in collaboration with the Financial Investigations Division, the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force, were carried out at the St Catherine Municipal Corporation building in Spanish Town and 16 other locations across Kingston, St Catherine and Westmoreland.

Major Basil Jarrett, director of communications at MOCA, said 16 of the 17 locations were the homes of employees at the corporation and their associates.

Jarrett said the raid is part of an extensive investigation into allegations of serious organised crime within municipal bodies.

"At this point there are no arrests. We don't anticipate that there will be any as this is primarily an operation to execute certain search warrants. However, if we in the execution of those duties we come across any illegal materials, illegal activities that persons are involved in, certainly we will effect arrests," Jarrett explained.

The joint operation underscores the agency's commitment to rooting out corruption and dismantling organised criminal activities, he said.

MOCA has indicated that investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as new information emerges.

- Ruddy Mathison

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