FOUR months after they were recognised for their contribution to the smashing of one of the largest drug operations in US history, Jamaican police were yesterday again in the news, this time for their collaboration with United Kingdom authorities in dismantling a major money-laundering network in that country.
Yesterday, The Associated Press reported that a British court convicted three persons for operating a money-laundering network between the UK and Jamaica.
"South London's Kingston Crown Court found Burnett Morris and his wife Paulette guilty of conspiracy to launder money by helping to funnel more than £500,000 in cash from suspected drug deals to associates in Jamaica — often sending small amounts multiple times a day," the AP report stated.
"A third defendant, Kevin Robinson, was convicted of transferring criminal property out of the jurisdiction of the UK. Four others previously pleaded guilty to the same charge."
The AP reported British police as saying that the arrests followed an extensive investigation in conjunction with colleagues in Jamaica.
Last December, the United States DEA hailed Jamaican police for their contribution to the conviction of 14 persons in one of the largest ecstasy pill seizures in United States history.
A federal officer was indicted with 13 others for smuggling guns and money in 'Operation Rude Beast'.
Responding to yesterday's news out of the UK, Deputy Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds said, "This is indeed welcome news and just goes to show the level of work and co-operation that the police in Jamaica continue to put out in their fight against crime".
Head of the Organised Crime Division Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey was equally pleased and emphasised the importance of collaboration between countries in their fight against crime.
"It is about a partnership," he said. "Crime has no border, and for us to be successful in this fight it will require our continued support and collaboration between law enforcement across all borders."
