FNID Intercepts Over 40 Pounds of Cocaine at Sangster Airport in Two Separate Operations

Kingston, Jamaica (December 16, 2024) — The Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) has made significant strides in the battle against narcotics trafficking with the interception of over 40 pounds of cocaine at Sangster Airport in two separate incidents over the past week. The operation, which highlights the agency’s unwavering commitment to disrupting the drug trade, resulted in multiple arrests, including airport employees and a foreign national.

Major Cocaine Bust on December 11

On Wednesday, December 11, a joint operation between the FNID and the Jamaica Customs Agency Contraband Enforcement Team, known as ‘Clean Sweep’, led to the seizure of 28.5 pounds of cocaine. The drugs, with an estimated street value of £500,000, were intercepted after a lengthy investigation into potential insider threats within the airport environment.

The cocaine was discovered in the baggage of several individuals attempting to export the drugs internationally. During the operation, five airport employees were apprehended and brought in for questioning. Three of these employees were formally charged with Possession of Cocaine, Dealing in Cocaine, Attempting to Export Cocaine, and Conspiracy to Export Cocaine. They were identified as:

• Rushen Powell, 36, otherwise known as ‘Romie’, a Ramp Agent from Norwood, St. James
• Leroy Jones, 62, otherwise known as ‘Rata’, a Lead Ramp Agent from Mount Salem, Montego Bay, St. James
• Ojay Simpson, 35, otherwise known as ‘Simo’, a Ramp Agent from Salt Marsh, Trelawny

The three men are expected to appear in court soon, while the remaining two airport employees were released pending further investigation.

British Woman Arrested with 12 Pounds of Cocaine

Just three days later, on Saturday, December 14, another major drug bust occurred at Sangster International Airport. Salha Suleiman Said, a female British citizen, was arrested after 12 pounds of cocaine were found in her luggage during check-in for an outgoing flight to the United Kingdom. FNID officers intercepted her and conducted a thorough search, uncovering the illicit substance hidden within her belongings.

Said, who was attempting to board a flight to the UK, was immediately taken into custody and charged with Possession of Cocaine and Taking Steps to Export Cocaine. Like the previously arrested airport employees, her court date is also pending.

FNID’s Commitment to Disrupting Drug Trafficking Networks

These two operations underscore the FNID’s relentless efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and to protect Jamaica’s international reputation. Over the past year, the agency has intensified its focus on targeting criminal networks involved in drug smuggling, particularly at key transit points like airports.

“This recent success is a testament to the dedication of our team and our continued efforts to prevent the illegal flow of drugs through our borders,” said a spokesperson for the FNID. “We remain committed to working alongside local and international partners to dismantle drug trafficking operations and bring those responsible to justice.”

The FNID’s cooperation with the Jamaica Customs Agency, the Contraband Enforcement Team, and other law enforcement agencies has been crucial in achieving these breakthroughs. The agency’s efforts are part of a broader, ongoing initiative to target both local and international narcotics networks, ensuring that criminals attempting to smuggle drugs into and out of the country face justice.

Continued Collaboration

With these recent operations, the FNID has once again demonstrated its commitment to disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics through the island. Moving forward, the agency will continue to collaborate with local and international partners in its fight against narcotics trafficking.

As investigations into these and other potential drug smuggling operations continue, the FNID is urging the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities, as the fight against illegal drugs remains a top priority for the Jamaican government.

---

#FNID #DrugBust #SangsterAirport #CocaineSeizure #JamaicaNews #NarcoticsTrafficking #CleanSweepOperation