Hookers cross the toll - Head to Kingston for better 'business'

Fabian Ledgister, Star Writer

A heavy influx of sex workers have been pouring into the Corporate Area's 'red light' districts from Portmore's Port Henderson Road, popularly known as 'Back Road'.

The police said they have been encountering a high number of females, formerly plying their flesh in Portmore's sex trade hub, in areas such as Eureka Road, Old Hope Road, Cross Roads and Ripon Road.

"I hear there are increased police crackdowns in that (Back Road) area causing many to seek more lucrative grounds to conduct their illegal acts. But we are not going to allow them (prostitutes) the opportunity to create another 'Back Road' here," promised Detective Corporal Gosford Daley from the St Andrew Central Division, where the areas mentioned are located.

Police said if they allow the sex migration to occur unchecked, then a host of other illegal activities will feed from the already illegal trade.

"With more of them (prostitutes) coming to the area, we are seeing increases in drugs being sold, illegal parking and extortion. We are taking a zero-tolerance to all these breaches of the law, and will be pulling out all stops to ensure the area doesn't spiral into chaos," said Daley. "They think if they use fake names we don't know where they hail from, but there is a charge called making false declaration to the police, and we have jailed a few women so far who think they can outsmart the law."

increased

In an effort to deter the women, the police have increased their operations and presence in the areas targeted by the hookers.

One of the most recent operations occurred recently on Ripon Road and adjoining areas. During that operation, conducted between midnight and 3 p.m., several places, including a popular nightclub were raided.

In the aftermath, five women were charged, six vehicles were seized and a handgun, an assortment of machetes, knives, scissors, ice-picks,and even an axe, were found. In addition, vendors along the targeted areas were warned for illegal vending.

Police said they will continue their crackdown in these areas to prevent the sex migration.