The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard seized almost 1000 pounds of cocaine during a joint counter-narcotics operation offshore Jamaica yesterday.

In a release this morning, the JDF noted that 990.71 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of J$3.7 billion was seized.

It said the First District JDF Coast Guard was conducting routine patrols south of Jamaica, when it pursued and intercepted a vessel believed to be transporting illicit narcotics.

During the chase, persons on board the suspected vessel threw multiple packages overboard, which were swiftly recovered by the JDF Coast Guard boarding team.

The contraband was secured and transported to the first district JDF Coast Guard base, where it was handed over to the narcotics police for processing.

The JDF said this seizure is a significant disruption to the regional drug-trafficking networks.

The JDF said the operation underscores its unwavering commitment to regional security cooperation and the protection of Jamaica’s national borders against transnational organized crime.

It said the force will continue to work alongside national and international partners to secure Jamaica’s maritime space, strengthen borders, protect people, and to counter illicit activities that threaten regional stability.