Cocaine found in coconuts - Cops seize $118-million worth of drugs at two airports

Jamaican authorities have dealt a major blow to drug traffickers, seizing more than 39 pounds of cocaine valued at a staggering $118.7 million in two separate operations at the country's major airports.

In the first bust on Wednesday, March 12, detectives from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigations Division (FNID) arrested 51-year-old Derrick Winston and 41-year-old Lisa Wood, both of Sand Way Road, Orrington, England, at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).

The pair were stopped during routine security checks around 4:25 p.m., after raising the suspicions of law enforcement. A search of their luggage reportedly revealed a combined 31.5 pounds of cocaine --15.5 pounds in Winston's bag and 16 pounds in Wood's.

The seized cocaine has an estimated street value of $92.7 million -- marking the first major drug seizure at NMIA for 2024.

One day later, on Thursday, March 13, the FNID struck again--this time at the Sangster International Airport--arresting 50-year-old Nigel Manning of Northumberland, London, for allegedly attempting to smuggle nine pounds of cocaine hidden inside frozen coconuts.

According to the police, around 3:20 p.m., officers conducting security screenings for a flight bound for London Gatwick Airport became suspicious of Manning. A detailed search reportedly revealed seven frozen coconuts, each concealing packets of high-grade cocaine with a street value of $26 million.

The accused have been charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine and attempting to export cocaine

Senior Superintendent Samuel Blake, head of the FNID, applauded the vigilance of his team.

"We remain vigilant at our ports and these arrests underscore our commitment and the effectiveness of our police men and women in combating drug trafficking," he said.