10-acre ganja field up in smoke - Police clamp down on illegal drugs for guns trade

Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

Portland:

In their bid to clamp down on the illicit drug trade in the parish, the Portland police last week Friday destroyed approximately 10 acres of fully grown ganja plants.

The weed was discovered on a property in the hills of Heart Hill, Buff Bay.

The police, who were reportedly acting on information, swooped down on the property under the cover of darkness, shortly after 2:30 a.m. Friday, and discovered the fully grown plants, which they said were near the reaping stage.

A search of a nearby hut also uncovered a bag containing 30 pounds of the weed, which was already packaged and appeared ready for export.

Following the discovery, fuel was dumped on the cultivated weed and the hut, which were later set ablaze by the lawmen. No one was held in connection with the discovery.

The police have remained active in the fight against illegal drugs and are monitoring the coastal areas and beaches, including Norwich, Long Bay, Manchioneal, Bryans Bay, and Prospect, where it is believed that some local fishermen and other residents are actively involved in the drugs for guns trade between Jamaica and Haiti.