This file photo shows a cop equipped with a body-worn camera.
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The police are reporting the seizure of several exotic animals, more than 3,900 rounds of ammunition and uncustomed cigarettes during an operation along the shores of Whitehouse, Westmoreland on Monday.
The exotic animals include 19 parrots— nine of them dead— and two squirrels.
The seizure was made during an intelligence-driven operation by the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) along the Camp Hope and San San beaches in Westmoreland.
According to a report, at 5:00 am, investigators from C-TOC’s Special Operations Unit visited the location where two men were observed removing items from the shoreline. On the approach of the police, they reportedly fled, leaving behind two knitted bags containing more than 3,900 rounds of ammunition, two makeshift cages containing 10 live and nine dead exotic parrots, along with two squirrels.
Several other items were seized, including tools and more than 20 packs of uncustomed cigarettes.
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) was immediately contacted, and the animals were taken into their care, the police said.
However, the two men involved in this operation are still at large and are being sought by the police.
In the meantime, Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett lauded the efforts of the police, noting that the illegal importation of exotic animals can pose a significant risk to our environment.
“The illegal trade of exotic animals is a clear and present danger to our public’s safety, national security and environmental well-being. The JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) is aware of the threat posed by this trade and is pursuing those who are engaged in the act,” said Superintendent Barrett.
Anyone with information that can assist in this investigation is urged to contact C-TOC at 876- 967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311 or the nearest police station.