Man arrested in drug bust facing new charges

The latest man charged in connection with last month’s major joint narcotics operation at the Kingston Freeport Terminal is now facing additional charges relating to a separate drug seizure from early 2025.

The accused is 56-year-old Roderick Spence of Westgate Hill, Montego Bay, St James. Spence was arrested on September 7 in relation to the August 7 seizure of 103 parcels of cocaine and 123 parcels of ganja, with an estimated street value of $71 million. The broader three-day operation, conducted from August 5 to August 7, resulted in the seizure of more than $1 billion worth of cocaine and the arrest of eight individuals. Spence was charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine, conspiracy to export cocaine, possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, attempting to export ganja and conspiracy to export ganja.

While Spence remained in police custody, investigators from the JCF’s Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) laid additional charges against him on the weekend. These charges arise from an ongoing investigation into a major narcotics seizure at the Sangster International Airport on March 23, 2025. Reports are that at 11:30 a.m., FNID and Jamaica Customs Agency personnel were conducting routine security checks on shipments when they detected anomalies. A subsequent search of the shipment revealed 68 pounds of cocaine.

Spence has now been charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, taking steps preparatory to export cocaine, and conspiracy to export cocaine in relation to the 2025 incident. He is scheduled to appear before the St James Parish Court on September 30.