Reputed gang leader 'Bloodstain' charged over alleged cell phone convo about sale of gun

Alleged gang leader Courtney 'Bloodstain' Ashley has been charged by police for engaging in a conversation about the sale of a firearm. According to the police, the conversation was found in his cell phone, which they say was seized when he was arrested.

Ashley, 40, who the police had listed as wanted in relation to several cases including murder, was taken into custody on Monday during an operation at his home on Phoenix Park Village 2, Portmore, St Catherine.

Ashley, who also has a home in Maverley, St Andrew, is facing charges of possession of prohibited weapon, dealing in firearm without license, aiding and abetting, and seeking benefit through professing to have firearm.

His court date is being finalised.

Reports from the Portmore police are that about 9:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, a team of police on operation went to Ashley’s address in search of him as he was wanted in relation to several matters.

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He was seen and apprehended.

According to the police, while in custody Ashley gave permission for his cell phone to be searched.

The search revealed a conversation about selling a firearm, the police reported.

The police say investigations led to charges being laid against him.

In September 2025, the constabulary force said Ashley was the "reputed leader" of the Bottom Marverly Gang.

It had that said Ashley was wanted for the 2017 murder of Andrew Foster, the wounding of another man on Fenbrook Avenue, and was a person of interest in a double murder in the St Andrew South Division.

He was also a suspect in an attempted contract killing on Jacks Hill Road, St Andrew in July 2025.

Members of the force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch disrupted the planned attack during an operation that left five suspects dead.

Ashley, the sixth suspect, escaped and was later named a person of interest.

Police officials have described his capture as a major blow to criminal and gang activity in Jamaica.