CANADIAN police say the arrests of more than 70 people including alleged members of the Jamaican Shower Posse have failed to prevent street gang activity in that country, reports the Toronto Star.

The newspaper quoted critics of law enforcement who said that such operations which cost millions have failed. The operation earlier this week involved 1,000 police officers and 105 search warrants.

Meantime, police named two alleged leaders of the Shower Posse gang held in the pre-dawn raids on Tuesday. Courtney Ottey is accused of violating his bail having been under house arrest since November on charges including participating in a criminal organisation.

He has been charged with trafficking cocaine and failing to comply with a recognisance.

The other, Derrick Smith, is accused of supplying firearms and drugs. Police said Smith regularly sending back money to Jamaica.