Prosecutors claim phone messages point to gun-running involving alleged St Andrew gang leader
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Alleged gun-running conversations found on a mobile phone emerged in court as the case of alleged gang leader Courtney 'Bloodstain' Ashley is to be transferred to the High Court Division of the Gun Court.
The 43-year-old appeared before the St Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday, where Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle ordered him remanded until March 13.
Prosecutors allege that about 7:15 p.m. on January 12, Ashley was arrested during a coordinated police operation in the gated Phoenix Park community in Portmore, St Catherine.
The police further allege that investigators examined his mobile phone and saw conversations in which he discussed gun-running activities.
The police have described Ashley as the “reputed leader” of the Bottom Maverley Gang in St Andrew.
Ashley, whom the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) had listed as one of its most wanted men, is charged with murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition, seeking a benefit by professing to be in possession of a firearm.
He is also charged with aiding and abetting, dealing in a prohibited weapon, and dealing in ammunition.
- Rasbert Turner
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