Cops hunt $20 million bomb prankster

Stating that the bomb threat issued in Ocho Rios, St Ann, yesterday caused significant disruptions in commercial activities and placed undue stress on persons, the police said it will be taking all necessary actions to ensure the instigator/s are held accountable.

"Making a bomb threat, even as a prank, is a serious matter, and it will be treated as such," the JCF said in a statement last night.

About 9 a.m., yesterday, the operator of a service station in Ocho Rios received a message that a bomb was planted at the location. A video was subsequently shared on a social media platform where an individual claimed a bomb was at the service station and that he was demanding $20 million.

The police were contacted and several units, including it's bomb squad as well as the teams from the Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica Fire Brigade went to the scene.

It tuned out to have been a hoax.

However, the lawmen do not see it as a laughing matter. Up to press time last night, the police were intensifying their search for the instigator of the threat.

"We understand that a certain individual has claimed responsibility for this threat via the social media platform TikTok, presenting it as a prank," the JCF said as it urged persons to report to the nearest police station.

At the same time, the lawmen said it is important that persons recognise the implication of bomb threats and pranks on the society.

"The JCF has discussed the issue of social media pranks in the past, and we continue to take a firm stance against such practices. These so-called pranks are not harmless - they have considerable implications on public order, economic activities, and social harmony. As evidenced by today's incident, they can disrupt lives, affect livelihoods, and incite unnecessary fear and confusion among the populace," the police said.