Major Drug Bust by Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard

In a significant operation conducted during offshore patrols, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard successfully intercepted a vessel, seizing approximately 2,629 pounds of marijuana. The incident occurred on Saturday, around 18 nautical miles southwest of Bowden Bay, St Thomas.

Following the interception, two Jamaican men were apprehended by the police. The compressed marijuana, meticulously packaged in knitted bags and buckets, is estimated to have a street value of around $26,290,000, as per an official statement from the army.

The vessel, along with the detainees and the confiscated drugs, was transported to the Port Morant Police Station. The case has been handed over to investigators assigned to the Jamaica Constabulary Force Narcotics Division. The arrested individuals are expected to remain in custody until a formal interview is conducted in the presence of their legal counsel.

According to the released statement, the location where the vessel was intercepted has gained notoriety for illicit trafficking activities between Jamaica and Haiti. The area is identified as a hotspot for the drugs-for-guns trade, a significant source of illicit firearms for gangs operating in Jamaica.

The JDF emphasized the crucial role this operation plays in preventing a substantial influx of illegal weapons into the country, stating, “This recovery has prevented the possibility of a significant number of illegal weapons returning to our shores. The security forces will continue to be relentless in their conduct of counter-illicit trafficking and other operations, in furtherance of our mandate to protect our borders and blue economy.”

The JDF urged individuals with information related to illicit activities to contact them directly, or use channels such as Crime Stop, the National Intelligence Bureau, or report incidents at the nearest police station. The call to action underscores the collaborative effort needed to maintain the security and well-being of the nation.