Cops deliver $30M blow to narco trade

Director of the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), Superintendent Patrae Rowe, said the heightened vigilance at Jamaica's ports has been instrumental in the seizure of illicit drugs.

Approximately 50 kilogrammes of cocaine, with an approximate street value of $30 million, was seized at the Sangster International Airport on Monday.

Rowe said the find is the largest for this year so far, noting that more than 70 kilogrammes of cocaine have been recovered since January 1.

"There is a lot of cocaine that is out there. I can't say whether street value has been affected for any in specific, but the FNID continues to disrupt these transshipments," Rowe said.

Police said that on Monday, about 7 p.m., anomalies were detected during an electronic examination of a suitcase destined for Canada. A search of the luggage revealed sachets containing what appeared to be cocaine.

Investigators are now seeking a St Elizabeth farmer, whom they believe can assist with information related to the seizure. In the meantime, Rowe said his team is maintaining a "high level of vigilance at our ports of entry".

"This seizure underscores our commitment to disrupting the narcotics trade and ensuring that those who attempt to use our airports for criminal activity are brought to justice," he said.