Two Haitians Charged in Massive $9.3M Ganja Bust in Toms River, St Andrew

St Andrew, Jamaica – Two Haitian nationals who were nabbed last week in a major drug bust in Toms River, St Andrew, have now been officially slapped with multiple charges linked to a $9.3 million ganja seizure.

The accused have been identified as 27-year-old vendor Shelande Dorelien and 25-year-old Wisler Laveis. According to a police report, both were charged with possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, taking steps preparatory to export ganja, trafficking ganja, conspiracy to export ganja, and illegal entry into the island.

Three Jamaican men — Heron Brown, 50, a farmer from Burton, St Elizabeth; Wade Richards, 30, a vendor from Thompson Pen, St Catherine; and 28-year-old Delroy Wilson of Margaret’s Bay, Portland — were charged earlier this week in connection with the same operation.

They’re each facing multiple charges, including double counts of possession, dealing, export prep, and trafficking of ganja, along with conspiracy to traffic the illegal herb.

The big bust went down around 9:00 p.m. on July 18, when members of the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division’s (FNID) Special Ops Team swooped in on two vehicles in the area.

Reports are that one car was occupied by Wilson and the two Haitians, while the other vehicle had the remaining suspects. A search of the vehicles turned up over 350 parcels containing more than 3,000 pounds of ganja, with an estimated street value of $9.3 million.

This seizure is part of a wider crackdown by the authorities, who say that since the start of the year, they have seized:

• Over 40,000 pounds of ganja worth an estimated $121 million
• More than 1,700 pounds of cocaine, valued at over $405 million

The FNID is urging Jamaicans to speak up and report drug or gun-related activities. Citizens can contact them directly at 876-923-6184, Crime Stop at 311, NIB at 811, Police 119, or their nearest police station.