Billion-dollar blow for drug traffickers

Jamaican law enforcement authorities seized more than $1 billion worth of cocaine in a series of anti-narcotics operations carried out over a 48-hour period last week, dealing a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks.

Investigators assigned to the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), working alongside the Jamaica Customs Agency and international partners, intercepted approximately 1,457 kilograms of cocaine at the Kingston Freeport Container Terminal (KFTL) and disrupted a separate smuggling attempt at the Sangster International Airport between October 16 and 17.

The latest haul adds to what has already been a record year for cocaine seizures in Jamaica. Earlier this year, police reported that more than 5,100 kilogrammes of cocaine, valued at approximately $3 billion, had been seized during the first six months of 2026 alone, surpassing the combined total recorded between 2016 and 2021 and marking the highest amount confiscated in a decade. With the addition of last week’s seizures, the amount of cocaine intercepted by authorities this year has climbed beyond 6,500 kilogrammes.

Meanwhile, in the latest seizures, the police said investigators targeted two containers at the KFTL destined for Belgium after they arrived in Jamaica from Honduras on October 12.

During a search conducted on October 16, officers uncovered 25 knitted bags containing 661 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed inside one container. Authorities estimated the street value of the drugs at $462.7 million.

Less than 24 hours later, investigators searched a second container from the same vessel and discovered 28 knitted bags containing 789 kilogrammes of cocaine. That shipment has an estimated value of $552.3 million.

The combined KFTL seizures accounted for approximately 1,450 kilogrammes of cocaine.

Also on October 17, officers at Sangster International Airport detected anomalies in luggage belonging to a British national preparing to board a flight to London.

A subsequent search revealed 14.5 pounds of cocaine hidden in food packages, along with four plastic bottles containing liquid cocaine. The narcotics were valued at approximately $4.5 million.

The man was arrested and remains in custody while investigations continue. His identity is being withheld by the police.

Acting Director of FNID, Deputy Superintendent Oreth Dunkley, described the seizures as another significant blow to organised criminal networks.

“The trafficking of illicit drugs poses a serious threat to Jamaica. It fuels organised crime and contributes to violence in our communities,” Dunkley said.

He added that FNID remains committed to working with local and international partners to identify and intercept drug shipments and bring those responsible to justice.