Two Nicaraguans and a Jamaican arrested following ganja seizure in Westmoreland
Published:Thursday | April 3, 2025 | 3:16 PM
Two Nicaraguans and a Jamaican have been arrested by police following the seizure of over 1,400 pounds of ganja and a fishing vessel off the coast of Westmoreland on Monday, disrupting what the police say is a major drugs-for-guns syndicate operating in the parish.
The Corporate Communications Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force says the arrests were the result of a coordinated pre-dawn operation carried out by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), supported by the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard.
Head of FNID, Senior Superintendent Samuel Blake, in addressing the fight against organised crime, emphasised the importance of intelligence and collaboration.
“This interdiction underscores the JCF's growing intelligence capabilities, enabling us to identify and relentlessly pursue organised 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 of narcotics for firearms, specifically AK-47 rifles.”
The three suspects have been detained on reasonable suspicion, and FNID investigators are reportedly 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.
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