JCF raises security in west Kingston after alleged plot to poison officers

Jamaica's police force is on high alert in Kingston Western Division after threats emerged following the fatal shooting of alleged gang leader Amani Malcolm on September 18.

Alleged food-contamination plot targets west Kingston police after gang leader killed

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has raised security levels across the Kingston Western Division following intelligence reports of alleged threats against police personnel, jamaica-gleaner.com reports. The threats surfaced in the aftermath of the fatal police shooting of 26-year-old Amani Malcolm, known as 'Bling Dawg', on September 18.

Malcolm was shot and killed during a confrontation with officers at the intersection of North Street and Pink Lane in Kingston. The JCF identified him as the alleged leader of the One A Way gang, based in Denham Town.

On Monday, messages circulated in informal police WhatsApp groups alleging a plan to poison or contaminate food at establishments frequented by officers of the division. The messages named Alphonso Errol Stennette — also known as 'Sonny', 'Sunny', or 'Sunshine' — as the alleged suspect behind the plot. Police intelligence reportedly places Stennette as a close associate of Malcolm.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Michael Phipps, head of Area One, confirmed that intelligence gathered by the force pointed to a credible threat against lawmen operating in west Kingston. The JCF has urged personnel in the division to remain vigilant as additional security measures are put in place.

Tensions have risen sharply in Denham Town following Malcolm's death. Residents mounted roadblocks and a vehicle was set ablaze along North Street during protests on Saturday.

According to preliminary JCF reports, a police team on mobile patrol along North Street encountered Malcolm before an armed confrontation developed. Officers said Malcolm allegedly produced a firearm and pointed it at a member of the team. A physical struggle followed, during which members of the team discharged their weapons, striking Malcolm. He was transported to Kingston Public Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

A Glock 26 pistol loaded with five 9mm rounds was recovered at the scene. A civilian was also struck by gunfire during the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment. The circumstances of the civilian's injury are under investigation, and the matter has been referred to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

"Given the stage of the investigation, the JCF will not at this time make further detailed comment on the actions of the individual officers involved," the force said in a statement.

The JCF has not publicly confirmed the specific details contained in the circulating WhatsApp messages regarding the alleged food-contamination plot. The allegations remain under investigation.

Source: Google News JM — Crime