Some bus operators plying the downtown Kingston to Constant Spring in St Andrew route are being forced to pay extortion fees at four different locations along their journey.

Thugs have reportedly been pulling a whopping $25,000 per week from some of the drivers.

The four spots, downtown, Cross Roads, Half-Way Tree and Constant Spring have thugs demanding at least $100 from the bus operators every time they stop. The drivers normally make six round trips per day for six days weekly.

"Yu si how times rough? And we affi a let off dem kinda money deh . It wicked pon wi out ya man," a bus driver who plies the route told THE STAR.

"Bway di man dem a eat a big food offa wi ... . Yu si how di likkle hundred dolla dem add up to nuff," another bus driver who spoke on condition of anonymity explained.

The drivers explained that not all of the drivers have to play as some persons "have dem links, so get ease up."

For those who have to pay however, they told THE STAR that the pressure is enormous. One of the drivers who requested anonymity said: "If u even manage fi escape and nuh pay pon a one trip, nuh tink yu can do it two time or di man dem ago start pree yu and dem coulda rush yu to."

extortion racket

The police, in the meantime, said that from time to time arrests have been made and alleged extortionists have been convicted.

However, as it pertains to how much money the bus operators have been paying, the police said that they are not aware.

Crime chief for the St Andrew North police, Deputy Superintendent Altermoth 'Parro' Campbell, told THE STAR that they have not received any recent reports pertaining to the extortion racket.

Similarly, Detective Corporal Hugh Neville of the Area Four police division confirmed knowing of the practice but he pleaded for the bus operators to alert the police so action can be taken against them.

"Extortion is something that has been happening for years now and the police have made arrests but others soon return. Since that's the case, these bus operators need to alert the police," Detective Corporal Neville said.

SOURCE