Caribbean National Weekly

NMIA employees arrested in multi-million dollar drug bust

By Joanne Clark··1 min read
NMIA employees arrested in multi-million dollar drug bust

Jamaican authorities arrested six individuals, including four employees of Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), in coordinated anti-narcotics operations spanning St. Ann and the airport premises on Thursday.

Seizure valued at over $20 million

The operations yielded a substantial seizure of contraband, notably cocaine with an estimated value exceeding $20 million. 

Alongside 3.8 kilograms of cocaine, law enforcement confiscated 55 pounds of ganja, three motor vehicles, and over $1.2 million in cash.

Cocaine concealed in food packages

In the initial phase of the operation, narcotics police intercepted two motor vehicles at the Eight Rivers Plaza in Ocho Rios. 

A search uncovered 3.8 kilograms of cocaine ingeniously concealed within food packages. Additionally, authorities apprehended the drivers of the vehicles and seized a sum of $118,000.

Ramp attendants implicated

Law enforcement then executed a raid at NMIA in Kingston. 

A thorough search of a motor vehicle led to the discovery of 25 kilograms of ganja concealed inside a suitcase within the trunk. 

Simultaneously, authorities seized $1.2 million found within the vehicle. 

Four airport ramp attendants were taken into custody, and the vehicle was seized.

The estimated street value of the ganja is $540,000.

Two of the ramp attendants were later released.

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