October 19, 2026

Police seize $1billion worth of cocaine within 48 hours

The Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID)  seized just over  $1 billion dollars  worth of cocaine in a series of coordinated counter-narcotics operations in 48 hours.

The constabulary says FNID in partnership with the Jamaica Customs Agency and overseas stakeholders, intercepted approximately 1,457 kilogrammes of cocaine at the Kingston Freeport Container Terminal (KFTL) and foiled a separate smuggling attempt at the Sangster International Airport, resulting in the arrest of a British citizen between October 16 and 17.

In two separate but related operations at the KFTL two containers destined for Belgium were seized after both arrived in the island from Honduras on Monday, October 12.

On Friday, October 16 at about 4:05 p.m., a container was searched and 25 knitted bags were found containing 661 kilogrammes or 1,457 lbs of cocaine.

This seizure has an estimated street value of 462.7 million dollars.

The next day, October 17, at about 10:00 a.m. a second container from the same vessel was searched and 28 knitted bags were discovered containing 789 kilogrammes or 1739 lbs  of cocaine.

This seizure is valued at 552. 3 million dollars.

Police say later that day, at the Sangster International Airport, anomalies were detected in the luggage of a British national, who was preparing to board a flight to London, England.

During the search of the luggage 14.5 lbs of cocaine was found in a number of food packages.  Four plastic bottles containing liquid cocaine were also seized.

This seizure has an estimated street value of  4.5 million dollars.

The British national was taken into custody; his identity is being withheld pending further investigations.

Acting director of the FNID , Deputy Superintendent   Oreth Dunkley, described the seizure as another significant setback for organised criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.

He said the trafficking of illicit drugs poses a serious threat to Jamaica.  DSP  Dunkley added that it fuels organised crime and contributes to violence in  communities.

FNID indicated that it remains firmly committed to working with  local and international partners to detect and intercept illicit drug shipments and to apprehend those involved in these criminal activities, thereby safeguarding Jamaica’s national security and public safety.