Police crackdown earlier this month.

But last night a Police spokeswoman refused to be drawn on whether the discussions -- held between Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay and several gang leaders -- were making progress.

Police are now making follow-up inquiries to the 145 arrests made in the recent blitz. While some arrests involving outstanding warrants were prosecuted immediately, investigators need more time to gather evidence for the more serious crimes.

For drug charges, the substances need to be tested before being admissible in court and the process takes about six weeks.

Police say some other crimes may require even more resources.

Police spokeswoman Evelyn James-Barnett said: "We would have to interview and take statements -- that would take all the officers off the streets.'' Its understood that prosecutors need evidence but cannot strip the streets of Police presence.

The crackdown was sparked off after a volatile crowd wielding bats and knives entered the PHC football stadium clubhouse earlier this month.

The next day, Police set-up five roadblocks at East Broadway, Barnes Corner , Somerset Bridge and other locations -- searching vehicles to stop gangs from traveling.

Police made raids and searched locations over a five-day period, making the 145 arrests and recovered two suitcases of Molotov cocktail-making materials and numerous weapons.

Police say there was serious cause for worry regarding gangs moving about, especially during Harbour Nights.

For intelligence reasons, Police are not willing to release too much information about the talks or operations but can confirm that arrests are being followed up.

Mrs. Barnett said: "For the operation -- we made it high profile. To send the message that we won't tolerate it (gang-violence).'' She said the operation worked but did not solve the problem.

"While it was effective, it was by no means the solution.'' Mrs. Barnett said the talks were being keep relatively quiet because they are ongoing and particularly sensitive, although periodic statements on their progress will be released.

Jean-Jacques Lemay