An illegal rum operation in McCooks Pen, St Catherine, was recently shut down by police and five persons detained.

Among those arrested, is Romeo 'John Dog' Downer, believed to be the mastermind behind the illicit operation. Four other men who were on the premises were also arrested and taken to the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID) offices in downtown Kingston.

The men admitted to the police that they visited the premises with the intent to purchase rum. It was reported that over 800 litres of rum was discovered. Money amounting to $358,300 was also confiscated. The men reportedly travelled from as far as Duansvale, Trelawny, to make their purchases.

Last week, the OCID and Flying Squad detectives raided the premises and numerous containers storing bulk rum along with an elaborate makeshift distillation apparatus were confiscated.

other criminals

It is suspected that the illegal operation has been going on for more than a year. It is also suspected that Downer is actually the distiller and is responsible for preparing the illegal rum before supplying it to other criminals for packaging. All five accused will appear in the Corporate Area RM Court on May 18, to answer to breaches of the Excise Duty Act.

Corporate Risk Manager from J. Wray and Nephew Limited, Major Hugh Blake, told THE WEEKEND STAR that criminals are refilling empty J. Wray and Nephew Limited bottles with illegal alcohol in an attempt to pass them off as legitimate ones.

He said as a safeguard, the company has made an adjustment to their bottles by using non-refillable corks, which once opened are broken and cannot be reused. He also revealed the police have been extremely co-operative in their attempt to put an end to the illegal practice.