Joseph 'Benbow' Barrett, alleged leader of the Jones Town-based Joe Benbow gang

Joseph 'Benbow' Barrett, alleged leader of the Jones Town-based Joe Benbow gang, and his three co-accused, held for the recent seizure of four illegal guns, appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday. Barrett was charged by police early last week following investigations into the seizure of the guns and more than 20 rounds of ammunition. Also charged are Trudy-Ann Warren, 31, of South Anderson Crescent in Kingston, Marsha Marie Alexandria Johnson, 24, and Wayne Johnson, 35, also called 'Howard Johnson', a taxi operator, both of Benbow Street in Jones Town, St Andrew. All are charged with conspiracy to deceive customs, importation of firearms, conspiracy to import prohibited goods, conspiracy to import firearms and ammunition and conspiracy to import restricted goods. Allegations are that Warren went to the Norman Manley International Airport to collect a package. She declared the package contained baby clothes, but police already knew that it contained four 9mm pistols and 26 rounds of ammunition. A sting operation was set up and Warren was seen entering a vehicle occupied by Marsha and Wayne Johnson. The car was intercepted and they told police the package was to be delivered to Barrett in Port Royal. One Glock-40, one 9mm Browning, one Springfield 9mm and one .45 Ruger pistol and ten .45 rounds and sixteen 9mm rounds were seized. Subsequent investigations led to a search for Barrett who surrendered to police the same day in his attorney's presence. Barrett is also charged with breaching the conditions of bail he received in connection with a murder and shooting. The police say he allegedly failed to obey the conditions of the house-arrest order. The matter returns to court on November 21.

Posted in: Norman Manley International Airport