Cops report $17 million ganja bust

The Portland police say Wednesday night's massive haul of compressed ganja, weighing 3,369 kilograms or 7411.8 pounds, which was found at a beach in Bryan's Bay, has an estimated street value of J$17 million.

Superintendent Duane Wellington, commanding officer for the Portland Police Division, called it a "massive find and it is the largest in recent years for Portland".

"I have every reason to believe that this drug was destined for Haiti. All indications point to just that and this is a major dent in their operations. The entire sea coast is now under scrutiny as we believe that it is a major transshipment point for drugs and guns," Wellington added.

No one was arrested

The discovery of the ganja was made shortly after 9 p.m. when the police, acting on information, swooped down on a beach occupied by fisherfolk and found the compressed ganja wrapped in parcels in a hut. No one was arrested for the seizure. Businesswoman Charmaine Ming, who operates the nearby Shan-Shy beach complex, said that she was taken aback by the news of the ganja seizure.

"I have never seen or heard of any suspicious activities taking place in this area. I operate a legitimate business with varying services including a bar, restaurant, and a catering service. We also rent the complex for weddings, parties, and other forms of entertainment. We have a lease on the property occupied by the fishermen and there is a thriving boat repair business taking place there also," she added. The Shan-Shy complex and the area occupied by the fisherfolk are separated by a wall, which was constructed more than 10 years ago.