The security forces invaded Fletcher's Land in downtown Kingston yesterday in search of wanted men, illegal weapons and stolen items.

An officer on the operation who refused to give his name told THE STAR that during the search, a piece of furniture was recovered which is alleged to have been an item stolen by looters during the Labour Day uprising.

A large contingent of soldiers and police were seen conducting house-to-house searches and rounding up men while others prevented residents from leaving or entering searched locations.

Soldiers were seen instructing persons to remain inside while they prevented others from entering houses during the search. One woman who claimed she wanted to take a child out of a house was told that she had to wait until they vacated the area.

The media were also barred from some of the areas and were told they had to wait until the security forces had left before they could talk to persons.

The searches covered Mark Lane, Love Lane and Church Street. Almost 40 men were picked up by the police for processing.