Operation Reclaim nabs MURDER suspect, illicit drugs and weapons

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, September 15, 2023 – A murder suspect has been caught in an early morning exercise, Operation Reclaim III, according to police reports.

Social media updates shared on September 14th said the man was picked up in Blue Hills Providenciales.

Police did not name the suspect, but in their Thursday September 14 media release laid out the findings of the infiltration.

“Early morning police operations within the past 24 hours, have led to the seizure of two illegal firearms, an assortment of ammunition, and a large quantity of narcotics by police officers.

“Operation Reclaim III”, an ongoing anti-crime operation, commenced at 4 a.m. in the Kew Town, Providenciales district, and concluded in Blue Hills, yesterday (September 13th).

During the operation, a male murder suspect was arrested, several homes were searched and illegal items were recovered, one of which was a high-powered semi-automatic machine gun, loaded with a magazine containing ammunition.

Other items found:  ONE handgun with ammunition;  ONE magazine with ammunition;  SEVENTY cannabis plants.

Additional roadblocks were conducted and RT&CIPF can confirm the following: Stop and Search: Twelve (12) Vehicles Towed: Ten (10) Tickets issued: Nine (09) Illegal Tints Removed: Twenty-Two (22) Persons arrested for Immigration purposes: Six (06)

Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams said: “The caliber of weapon and types of ammunition found is cause for concern.  There exists a small element of our communities who choose crime as a way of life. This is unacceptable and the Force has taken a zero-tolerance stance.

Again, I am appealing to all those young persons who might be influenced by or attracted to violent criminal activity, to consider the catastrophic consequences of such activities, not only for your families but those of your innocent victims.  I want you to reflect on alternatives that would provide more acceptable outcomes for your valuable lives.

The RT&CIPF remains resolute, committed, and dedicated to disrupting, dismantling, and destroying crime networks in the TCI while enforcing the laws to the full extent.”

Adams added, “I also wish to commend our officers on the removal of these illegal items from the streets of the TCI and urge the public to report any illegal activities to 911 or the nearest police station”.

Police said, the operations were led by the Serious Crime and Tactical Units. To all staff involved. Bravo Zulu”.

Just hours after the operation Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, TCI Governor and National Security leader for the British overseas territory would deliver the Speech from the Throne at a new session of parliament, highlighting the havoc that guns wreak on the country and the investment made in order to thwart its unbridled, detrimental growth.