Ten persons connected with the St James-based Downtown Sparta Gang were taken into custody last night during multiple coordinated operations across the Corporate Area.

The man listed as St James’ Most Wanted; Christopher Boyd otherwise called ‘Plank’ of the Downtown Sparta Gang was taken into custody on Thursday July 30, 2020 following a Targeted Raid by teams from the JCF’s Specialized Operations and other units at a Guest House in the St Andrew Central Division.

Boyd, a top-tier member of the Downtown Sparta Gang, is currently wanted for the murder of Desmond Clarke otherwise called ‘Dangles’ and wounding with intent of Andre Hall otherwise called ‘Beenie’, committed on January 16, 2018 at the Sangster International Airport round-a-bout.

Prior to that, he was charged and on bail for the ruthless double murder of David Anglin and Sean Titus on October 22, 2017 along the Flanker main road. He was also sentenced in 2011 for illegal possession of ammunition and two counts of illegal possession of firearm. He served five years and was released in 2016.

An eighteen year old female of a Flanker address, who was held in the company of Boyd, is presently in police custody. The police are reminding members of the public that it is a criminal offense to harbour a fugitive.

Additionally, eight men linked to the Sparta Gang were arrested last night during an operation at an apartment complex in the St Andrew North Division. Among the men, is Lennox McLeod otherwise called ‘Rus Eye’, who is of a Flanker address, and is wanted for a 2016 case of Wounding With Intent. During that incident, the complainant was pounced upon by five men armed with handguns and shot in the Flanker community. Of note is the fact that Christopher Boyd also featured in that shooting incident.

Meanwhile, the St James Police escorted Leroy Russell otherwise called ‘Tommy Lee Sparta’ to the Corporate Area last week, where searches were conducted at several apartments. He is currently being held in St James under the State of Public Emergency.

Investigations continue into the activities of the gang.

The JCF High Command is commending the various teams from St James, St Andrew Central, St Andrew North, Special Operations, C-TOC and the Jamaica Defence Force for their professionalism and resolute approach throughout the coordinated operations, which all ended without incident.