The police have joined in the probe into yesterday's mysterious chemical leak in a section of Portmore in St. Catherine to determine whether the emission was as a result of illegal activities.

After the fumes were detected close to midday, the Portmore Toll Road was ordered closed and the commercial district on Marcus Garvey Drive as well as Kingston Wharves evacuated.

Last night the authorities identified the general location of the emission but had not determined the source.

Reports are that five employees of the toll operations were treated for respiratory problems triggered by the fumes.

Environment Minister Robert Pickersgill is to get a preliminary report on the gas leak.