Two arrested in cocaine, gun seizure

Detectives assigned to the Firearm and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) have arrested two men in separate incidents following the seizure of several kilograms of cocaine at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) on Monday.

A follow-up operation also resulted in the seizure of a firearm and more than 120 rounds of ammunition. In the first incident at 8 a.m., a flight attendant was scheduled to board a JetBlue Airways flight destined for New York, USA. During routine security screening, anomalies were detected in his luggage. During a detailed search of his luggage by FNID personnel, a pouch containing two rectangular packages of cocaine, weighing 3.4 kilograms (7.5 pounds), was found. The illicit drug has an estimated street value of $2.9 million. The flight attendant was subsequently taken into custody.

Following his arrest, FNID investigators conducted a follow-up operation at his Kingston residence at 1:30 p.m. During a search of the premises, a licensed 9mm pistol and over 120 rounds of ammunition were seized. Later that day, another man arrived at the NMIA to board a flight to Canada. During a security screening, anomalies were detected in his luggage. A search of his luggage revealed 5.6 kilograms (12.5 pounds) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4.78 million. He was subsequently arrested. Both men remain in police custody. However, their identities are being withheld pending further investigations.