Obeah men in sections of the island are boasting of an increase in profits from thugs who they claim are visiting them to stay out of jail.

THE WEEKEND STAR has learnt that gangsters are forking out up to $30,000 for the services of these obeah men.

It is said the increase for the aid of obeah comes in the wake of intense pressure on members of the criminal underworld by the police in recent times.

"Yu nuh see how di police a pressure di man dem? Inna di past three months or so, business a boom cause nobody nuh waa go jail or prison ya now. So mi have a few clients weh come to me fi help," one obeah man, Father Murrayfrom a community in east Kingston said.

According to him, his counterparts in other sections of Kingston and St Andrew, as well as in St Catherine, Clarendon and Montego Bay, St James are also benefiting financially from the gangsters seeking 'special help'.

"A just special help dem a look eno, dem know a serious times and we have di powers fi help dem out so dem come to we," another obeah man from St Catherine, Elder Joesaid.

Asked how they help their clients to evade police custody, the two men said their services include giving special prayers and a bath, after which oils and powders are given to be used as directed at home.

"In a case like this, wi gi dem a bath and chant two prayer. And of course dem get oil and powder fi carry home. A package like that can run up to $30,000," Elder Joe explained.

Those who cannot afford such a package can negotiate for a bath or just the oils and powders.

According to the obeah men, the behaviour of some of the thugs who solicit their services has left them surprised to say the least, as some even break down into tears while claiming the police are out to get them.

"If yu see how some a di man dem behave when dem come yah yu wouldn't believe seh dem a badman. Man come ya a cry eye water seh him cyaa manage di jail ting now so him a beg mi fi work up someting special fi him," Father Murray claimed.

Meanwhile checks with a number of police sources found this was something they have heard of but could not say if it was true.

"When it comes to these criminals you hear all sorts of arguments about things they are said to be involved in. The obeah thing is something we hear of but belief kills and cures so fly high, fly low if we want them we will get them," an inspector attached to the Organised Crime Investigation Division said.

Names changed to protect identity.