Operation Kingfish, the police's latest crime-fighting initiative, has turned its attention to the music business. But, not in search of entertainment.
By Glenroy Sinclair and Tyrone ReidHead of Operation Kingfish, Assistant Commissioner, Glenmore Hinds, revealed that a team of detectives is examining a list of popular entertainers, whom intelligence suggests, are involved in the illegal importation of guns and ammunition.
While not disclosing names, ACP Hinds said he would not be surprised if some of these entertainers were licensed firearm holders.
The Sunday Gleaner was informed that a number of prominent entertainers are licensed firearm holders.
Hinds said a leading deejay is currently under close scrutiny.
"We are being guided by our intelligence," he said.
In a recent interview with The Gleaner, Police Commissioner, Lucius Thomas, confirmed that some entertainers have been linked to crime. The commissioner, who was addressing students at the Waterford Primary School on Peace Day on March 3, stressed that while some entertainers were of good character, a number of them were involved in gun crimes and other criminal offences.
INVESTIGATED FOR NARCOTICS
Additionally, the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) Narcotics Chief, Assistant Commissioner Errol Strong, said entertainers were also being investigated by narcotics detectives.
Desmond Young, president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians (JFM), informed The Sunday Gleaner that 'word on the street' is that the authorities are looking for scapegoats and entertainers fit the profile.
"The argument on the street that they are targeting some well known artistes (so as) to have someone to say 'si who is causing all the violence - a dem bwoy yah - but that is the farthest thing from the truth," he said.
"Not to say that they are innocent or guilty, but to highlight them could be perceived as passing the buck ... It is obvious that some bigger players are involved," Young added.
He was adamant that none of his organisation's 2,000 members were among those being probed.
"None of our members have been charged with anything. There are people who are in the industry but they are not members of the JFM, so we can't speak for those people," he said.
DISSUADING ENTERTAINERS
Nevertheless, Young hinted that dissuading entertainers from having a microphone in one hand and illegal activities in the other is not a part of his organisation's mandate.
"The JFM deals with musicians, not criminals. We deal with persons in their professional capacity," he argued.
Still, he is calling on the relevant authorities to handle the investigations professionally as it may taint the music industry's image.
"These matters need to be handled quietly ... It can stigmatise the whole industry and people must be careful how it is put to the public," he said.
