Churchill Neita, the attorney-at-law representing Matthews Lane area leader, Donald 'Zekes' Phipps, revealed yesterday that his client will be interrogated today by detectives at CIB headquarters, downtown Kingston.
Mr. Phipps, who was detained on Sunday during a joint police/ military operation in Matthews Lane, west Kingston has since been charged with illegal possession of ammunition and possession of and dealing in ganja. He is now behind bars at the maximum security Horizon Park Remand Centre on Spanish Town Road, St. Andrew.
"He will face a question-and-answer interview today," Mr. Neita said.
According to the police, Mr. Phipps is scheduled to appear in the St. Andrew Criminal Court on Wednesday on drug-related charges. On Friday, he will appear in the Gun Court to answer to charges of illegal possession of ammunition.
MORE THAN $9 MILLION FOUND
Reports are that the Financial Crimes Division have been called in to probe the legality of the more than $9 million which was found at an establishment on Matthews Lane, said to be operated by Mr. Phipps. Among the stash of money was US$43,000 and $6.4 million in local currency.
Responding to questions as to whether his client was being singled out by the police or was wrongfully arrested, Mr. Neita said: "I am not aware of the allegations, but one thing for sure he was not hiding."
In September 1998, the last time Mr. Phipps was jailed, downtown Kingston was locked down for more than 48 hours as members of the security forces clashed with gunmen. Irate residents mounted roadblocks and burned debris in the street.
RESIDENTS INSTRUCTED NOT TO DEMONSTRATE
A senior officer who spoke with The Gleaner yesterday said the community don has instructed the residents not to demonstrate and to allow the police to do their job. The lawmen said the pint-size Mr. Phipps was very calm and cooperative.
Rival gunmen from Matthews Lane and Tivoli Gardens have clashed in recent weeks, forcing merchants in the downtown business district to close their shutters for most of last week. Shoppers and vendors were forced to stay away from some of the markets in the Spanish Town Road area.
When asked yesterday whether the security forces would be going after the leadership of Tivoli Gardens in the same way, Deputy Commissioner Lucius Thomas said: "Wherever the intelligence points, we will follow."
Up to late yesterday evening, the police said there were no reports of any disturbance in the affected communities. The security forces were, however, maintaining a strong presence in the area.
