Residents and a police source have confirmed reports that a substantial amount of cocaine is believed to be circulating in the parish.

The residents and the police say that the drug was found floating off the coast of St Mary, and was allegedly brought to shore by a group of local fishermen.

Commanding officer for the parish, Superintendent Dudley Scott, said that he is not aware of any such allegations of drugs being circulating in the parish. He, however, noted that his officers will be investigating the reports thoroughly to determine if the allegations are true.

But a senior officer attached to the Port Antonio Police Station who asked not be named said that they have received information that a group of fishermen, who operate in the district of Norwich in the parish, allegedly brought the drug to shore almost two weeks ago.

The senior officer pointed out that they have also received information that a popular car mart has reportedly experienced a significant increase in the sale of motor cars, as many as five in one week.

Meantime, the police said they have now intensified their investigations into the suspected drug find, as residents have also complained about suspicious activities, as a number of sport utility vehicles with strange men are spotted in the Norwich community late at nights.