The police are searching for two men who fled after they were reportedly caught engaging in a major contraband operation in Westmoreland yesterday.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, its members seized more than 3,900 rounds of ammunition, 19 exotic animals and uncustomed cigarettes during the incident along the Camp Hope and San San beaches in Whitehouse.

The seizure was made during an intelligence-driven operation by the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC).

Reports are that at 5:00 A.M., investigators from C-TOC’s Special Operations Unit went to the location. 

Two men were observed removing items from the shoreline and on approach of the police, they fled leaving behind tools, more than 20 packs of uncustomed cigarettes, two knitted bags containing the ammunition, two makeshift cages containing ten live and nine dead exotic parrots, along with two squirrels. 

The National Environment and Planning Agency was contacted and the animals were taken into their care.

The police have noted that the illegal importation of exotic animals can pose a significant risk to safety, national security and environmental well-being.

The JCF says it is seeking the two men.

Anyone with information that can assist in this investigation is urged to contact C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311 or the nearest police station.