St. James businessman arrested for drugs in two-parish operation

A St James businessman suspected of breaching the Dangerous Drugs Act remains in Police custody following his arrest by members of the Narcotics Division in the aftermath of operations that saw the seizure of millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine and a large sum of cash on the weekend.

Reports are that about 11:00 p.m., on Saturday, July 4, the man—who is of an Irwin, St James address—was driving an Isuzu motor truck along the Salem main road in St. Ann when lawmen signalled him to stop. He complied; his motor truck was searched and it is alleged that 19 parcels of cocaine, weighing approximately 45 pounds, were found, as well as JMD 86, 000 and USD 1,400. The illicit drugs—which have an estimated street value of JMD 26 million—the cash and the motor truck, along with the suspect’s licensed firearm, were seized.

On the heel of that seizure, the police conducted a secondary operation at the businessman’s home in Irwin, St. James about 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. Approximately JMD 750,000, USD 800, forty-four 9mm cartridges and several vehicles were seized.

The Police are working relentlessly to dismantle and disrupt drug trafficking syndicates across the island. These operations will continue as the Police work in collaboration with international partners seek to significantly reduce incidents of drug trafficking.

The identity of the suspect is being withheld pending further investigations.