MONTE GO BAY, Jamaica – A major interdiction at one of Jamaica’s key ports has led to the seizure of over 50 kilograms of cocaine and a police manhunt for a St. Elizabeth farmer believed to possess crucial information.
The discovery was made at Sangster International Airport on the evening of Monday, January 26. During a routine electronic scan of luggage bound for Canada around 7:00 p.m., security personnel detected anomalies within a suitcase. A subsequent physical search uncovered multiple sealed sachets containing approximately 50.2 kilograms (over 100 pounds) of cocaine.
Authorities estimate the street value of the narcotics to be around JM$30 million, marking one of the most significant airport seizures in recent months.
Superintendent Patrae Rowe, Director of the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), hailed the seizure as a direct result of tightened security protocols at the nation’s ports.
“We are maintaining a high level of vigilance at our ports of entry,” stated SP Rowe. “This seizure underscores our commitment to disrupting the narcotics trade and ensuring that those who attempt to use our airports for criminal activity are brought to justice.”
While the investigation is ongoing, detectives have turned their attention to Renaldo Brooks, a farmer from St. Elizabeth. Police are urgently seeking to locate Brooks, emphasizing that he is not necessarily a suspect but is believed to hold vital information that could advance the case.
Authorities are publicly urging Renaldo Brooks to report immediately to the FNID Headquarters at the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime (C-TOC) building on Old Hope Road in Kingston, or to the nearest police station.
FNID is also appealing to the general public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding Renaldo Brooks or the cocaine seizure is asked to contact FNID directly at 876-923-6184, the police emergency number at 119, or the nearest police station.
The seizure highlights the continued challenges and ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking through Jamaica’s transportation hubs, with law enforcement crediting enhanced technological scrutiny for the successful interception.
