Two Haitian nationals have been formally charged following a major drug bust in Toms River, St. Andrew, Jamaica, last Friday that led to the seizure of over 3,000 pounds of ganja, valued at approximately $9.3 million.
The accused have been identified as 27-year-old Shelande Dorelien, a vendor from Lafolie, Haiti, and 25-year-old Wisler Laveis of Aux Cayes, Haiti. According to the police, both men have been charged with two counts each of possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, and taking steps preparatory to export ganja. They are also facing charges of trafficking ganja, conspiracy to export ganja, and illegal entry.
Their arrest followed an operation by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), which intercepted two vehicles around 9:00 p.m. on July 18 at the border of St Mary and St Andrew. One vehicle was reportedly occupied by the Haitian nationals and another man, while the second carried three additional suspects.
Earlier this week, 50-year-old Heron Brown, a farmer from Burton District, St Elizabeth; 30-year-old Wade Richards, a vendor of Thompson Pen, St Catherine; and 28-year-old Delroy Wilson of Margarets Bay, Portland, were charged in connection with the same incident. They each face two counts of possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, and taking steps preparatory to export ganja, as well as two counts of trafficking ganja and conspiracy to traffic ganja.
Police said a total of more than 350 parcels of ganja were found in the intercepted vehicles. Since the start of the year, over 40,000 pounds of ganja, worth an estimated $121 million, and more than 1,700 pounds of cocaine, valued at over $405 million, have been seized.
Law enforcement continues to urge the public to report illegal drugs and firearms by contacting FNID at 876-923-6184, Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, the police emergency number 119, or the nearest police station.
