$12 million worth of ganja seized in St Thomas, Bahamian national detained

Following the seizure of more than 4000 pounds of ganja, valued at more than $12 million, during an operation in Prospect, St Thomas, on Sunday, authorities detained a man they believe to be a 70-year-old Bahamian national.

The man's name is being withheld pending further investigation.

The Bahamian officials in Jamaica have been notified.

Around 2:00 a.m., members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the St Thomas Police Division, and the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) carried out the joint raid.

An abandoned premises was searched and more than 750 knitted bags were discovered containing the compressed ganja.

Several boats, drums with gasoline and other items were also seized during the operation.

Director of FNID, Acting Senior Superintendent of Police, Patrae Rowe, said this seizure highlights the continued work being done to disrupt the illegal guns-for-drugs trade.

"Ganja remains a catalyst for the dangerous guns-for-drugs trade, which in turn can fuel violence and instability within our communities," said Acting SSP Rowe. "I thank the team and our partners for their diligence during this operation, and we will continue to interrupt these criminal networks to ensure the safety of our citizens."he added.

Meanwhile, the police are reiterating their appeal to citizens to share information on illicit drugs and firearms by contacting FNID at 876-923-6184, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.

- Rasbert Turner

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar