Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Spanish Town

A massive joint police/military operation was conducted in Spanish Town, St. Catherine yesterday, but at the end of it, several knives were the only things found.

The operation, led by Deputy Superintendent Dean Johnson of the Area Five division, saw dozens of persons, include taxi operators, commuters and others, being searched for offensive weapons and illicit drugs. DSP Johnson said the operation is an ongoing one that is being undertaken by the division.

"We decided that all town centres and crime-prone areas that falls under Area Five will have this sort of an operation to deal with the zero tolerance approach announced recently," he said.

He said Spanish Town and its environs accounted for more than 90 murders since January, and it is only fair that the Old Capital be targeted. Just Monday, a man was stabbed to death in the bus park in Spanish Town.

The bus park was taken over by heavily armed police and soldiers yesterday. Sections of Burke and March Pen roads were also cordon off. The operation, which started 2 p.m., ended two hours later.

Although there were no arrests, DSP Johnson said several knives and other weapons, were seized.