JDF Coast Guard intercepts J$3.7B cocaine haul off Jamaica’s South Coast
Key Points(4)
- <p data-start="216" data-end="532">The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard seized more than 990 pounds of cocaine during a joint counter-narcotics operation off Jamaica’s southern coast on Wednesday, dealing what the force described as a major blow to regional drug-trafficking networks.
- The haul carries an estimated street value of JMD$3.7 billion.</p> <p data-start="534" data-end="937">According to the JDF, members of the First District Coast Guard were on routine patrol when they detected and pursued a vessel suspected of transporting illicit drugs.
- During the chase, individuals aboard the vessel allegedly attempted to dump several packages overboard.
- “The Force will continue to work alongside our national and international partners to secure Jamaica’s maritime space, strengthen our borders, protect our people, and to counter illicit activities that threaten regional stability.”</p>
The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard seized more than 990 pounds of cocaine during a joint counter-narcotics operation off Jamaica’s southern coast on Wednesday, dealing what the force described as a major blow to regional drug-trafficking networks. The haul carries an estimated street value of JMD$3.7 billion.
According to the JDF, members of the First District Coast Guard were on routine patrol when they detected and pursued a vessel suspected of transporting illicit drugs. During the chase, individuals aboard the vessel allegedly attempted to dump several packages overboard. The Coast Guard boarding team recovered the packages, which were later confirmed to contain approximately 990.71 pounds of cocaine.
The contraband was secured and transported to the First District Coast Guard Base, where it was handed over to the Narcotics Police for processing.
In a statement, the JDF said the successful interception represents a significant disruption to regional drug-trafficking operations and underscores the force’s continued efforts to safeguard Jamaica’s maritime borders.
“This successful operation underscores the JDF’s unwavering commitment to regional security cooperation and the protection of Jamaica’s national borders against transnational organised crime,” the statement said. “The Force will continue to work alongside our national and international partners to secure Jamaica’s maritime space, strengthen our borders, protect our people, and to counter illicit activities that threaten regional stability.”
