Nine more men, who were allegedly extorting Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) operators, were arrested during targetted operations in Half Way Tree, St. Andrew, yesterday.

This brings to 16, the total number of people arrested for alleged extortion.

Reports are that officers attached to the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), as well as the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime (C-TOC) investigation branch conducted a joint operation, in the area between 3 and 7 PM.

The operation was conducted in response to concerns raised by PPV operators about being extorted by individuals demanding money in exchange for allowing them to operate in the area.

Two of the men arrested are reportedly persons of interest in gang-related activities in the area.

Head of the PSTEB, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Gary McKenzie says the ongoing operations aim to disrupt the activities of gangs involved in extortion and other criminal activities.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reminding citizens that extortion is a serious offence and that anyone found guilty of engaging in the activity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Members of the public are being encouraged to report any incident of extortion to the police.