Over $1 billion worth of cocaine seized in 48-hour JCF operations

KINGSTON, Jamaica — More than J$1 billion worth of cocaine was seized during a series of counter-narcotics operations conducted by the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) over 48 hours, resulting in the arrest of a British national. The operations, carried out on October 16 and 17 in collaboration with the Jamaica Customs Agency and international partners, resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,457 kilogrammes of cocaine at Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL), along with additional cocaine and liquid cocaine at Sangster International Airport. Two containers destined for Belgium were intercepted at KFTL after arriving from Honduras on October 12. The first container was searched on October 16, when investigators discovered 25 knitted bags containing 661 kilogrammes of cocaine, valued at approximately $462.7 million. A second container from the same vessel was searched the following morning, revealing 28 knitted bags containing 789 kilogrammes of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $552.3 million. Later on October 17, investigators detected irregularities in the luggage of a British national preparing to board a flight to London at Sangster International Airport. A search uncovered 14.5 pounds of cocaine concealed in food packages, along with four plastic bottles containing liquid cocaine. The drugs were valued at approximately $4.5 million. The man was taken into custody, but his identity is being withheld pending further investigations. Acting FNID Director, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oreth Dunkley, said the seizures represented a setback for criminal networks involved in drug trafficking. “The trafficking of illicit drugs poses a serious threat to Jamaica. It fuels organised crime and contributes to violence in our communities,” Dunkley said. He reaffirmed the division’s commitment to working with local and international partners to intercept drug shipments and apprehend those involved, adding that the efforts were aimed at safeguarding Jamaica’s national security and public safety.