The police in Portland are claiming that they now have behind bars one of the key players in the infamous drugs-for-guns trade between Jamaica and Haiti.

Everton Melvin, popularly known as 'John Crow Foot', turned himself in to the police yesterday, after it was alleged that he was the mastermind behind a foiled attempt to steal three boats and engines.

The early morning robbery was foiled by alert fisher-folk, who attacked and chopped two of the suspects.

The police allege that based on intelligence, they believe that Melvin made frequent visits to Haiti, transporting marijuana in exchange for guns.

The police further said that they received reports that up to May 20, Melvin reportedly made a trip to Haiti aboard a 30-foot fibre glass boat, accompanied by two men, and brought back firearms, which were being sold to gang members across the island.

On Friday, a fisherman, whose boat has been stolen, reported to the police that the accused man had threatened to shoot him on more than one occasion, and that he now feared for his life.