Acoordinated operation carried out by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), supported by the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard, led to the arrest of two Nicaraguans, a Jamaican, over 1400 pounds of ganja.

“A fishing vessel was also seized off the coast of Westmoreland on Monday, March 31, disrupting a major drugs-for-guns syndicate operating in the parish,” the police said in a release.

The security forces intercepted a fishing vessel during the predawn operation and a search was conducted.

During the search, the illicit drug, weighing 1480 pounds (672.6 kilograms) was found.

The three men aboard the vessel were arrested during the operation.

Head of FNID, Senior Superintendent Samuel Blake, in addressing the fight against organized crime, emphasized the importance of intelligence and collaboration.

“This interdiction underscores the JCF’s growing intelligence capabilities, enabling us to identify and relentlessly pursue organized crime actors involved in firearms and narcotics trafficking, regardless of their entry points.

It also highlights the critical value of collaborative efforts in this complex fight,” said SSP Blake.

SSP Blake further stated that “This significant seizure potentially prevented the influx of multiple prohibited weapons onto the streets of Jamaica, with the syndicate’s modus operandi involving the exchanging narcotics for firearms, specifically AK-47 rifles.”

The three suspects have been detained on reasonable suspicion, and FNID investigators are
pursuing charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act and the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organizations) Act.

Meanwhile, anyone with information that can assist in the investigations is urged to contact FNID at 876-923-5729, Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, or the nearest police station.