Police seize cocaine hidden in food packaging in MoBay operation

The Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) is reporting the seizure of approximately $14 million worth of cocaine that was found hidden in food packaging at a property in St James on Sunday night.

The illicit substance was stuffed into empty bags of Lasco and Grace products.

MOCA says seven people, including three suspected drug traffickers, have were taken into custody for interview and processing ahead of being formally charged.

It is reported that a team of MOCA agents and police personnel went to a premises in Montego Bay in search of a suspected drug trafficker who was wanted for questioning in connection with multiple local and international drug trafficking offences.

During the operation, the individual and six other persons were arrested.

MOCA says the premises was searched and approximately nine kilogrammes of cocaine, along with a large quantity of cash, a number of electronic devices and a motor vehicle were seized. 

All seven persons were later taken into custody for further processing.

According to Major Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA, the collaborative efforts between the various police divisions involved were instrumental in the operation.

"It shows the strength of the partnership between the agencies in the fight against major organised crime and the shared commitment towards dismantling trans-national criminal networks."

Jarrett also emphasised the importance of community engagement and public support, and encouraged citizens to report any information related to organised crime and corruption to MOCA’s tip hotline at 888-MOCA-TIP.

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