KINGSTON, Jamaica – According to the Jamaica Customs Agency, on Thursday, November 16, 2023, customs officers intercepted two cocaine trafficking operations, including an export destined for Thailand, at two courier facilities at the cargo section at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

In a statement on Friday, November 17, 2023, the agency described the cocaine bust as a significant victory against transnational drug trafficking.

The agency explained that during routine customs operations at the Norman Manley Airport, customs officers discovered and seized an undisclosed quantity of cocaine concealed in a toaster oven destined for Thailand.

As a result, the agency is working closely with law enforcement authorities to determine the origins and individuals involved in the illicit operation.

The Commissioner of Customs, Velma Ricketts Walker, believes the latest seizure sends a powerful message to criminal networks attempting to exploit non-traditional global trade routes.

“This seizure not only helps to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs but also sends a strong message to criminal enterprises seeking to exploit various routes to traffic illicit drugs,” Ricketts Walker indicated.

Velma Ricketts-Walker, Commissioner of Customs

“We continue to remain vigilant and committed to effectively combating the evolving challenges posed by transnational crime and adopting cutting-edge inspection techniques to disrupt actors who attempt to threaten the nation’s security,” she added.

Velma Ricketts-Walker, Commissioner of Customs

22-year-old man charged over fatal shooting at St Catherine construction site

SPANISH TOWN, ST. CATHERINE, Jamaica – On Friday, November 17, the police said they charged a suspect with the November 10, 2023, murder of a St. Catherine laborer at a housing scheme construction site in Innswood, St. Catherine.

The authorities named the suspect Romario McPherson, 22, a laborer from a Mansfield Avenue address in Homestead, St. Catherine. The police charged him with murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, and unauthorized possession of ammunition.

The police said at about 1:05 p.m., on the day in question, 37-year-old Camoy Beckford, otherwise called ‘Ras,’ a late laborer of a Mansfield Avenue in Homestead, was among the laborers at a construction site in Innswood, St. Catherine, when armed men, including McPherson, approached him and opened fire. He ran, but the men chased and executed him.

Eyewitnesses to the shooting subsequently chased and apprehended McPherson and handed him over to the police. The police charged him on November 17, 2023.

His court date is pending.

Senior citizen killed in Manchester robbery

MANCHESTER, Jamaica— A 63-year-old man died at the hospital from the effect of a single gunshot wound he received when gunmen attacked and robbed him and his family in Maidstone, Manchester, on Friday, November 17, 2023.

The authorities named the deceased as Duncan Keith Watson, a resident of Maidstone, Manchester.

According to reports, at about 1:00 a.m., Watson and his family were at home when he reportedly heard strange sounds and went to investigate.

Suddenly, he noticed that someone was attempting to force his door open. So he desperately used his body to block the door and keep the burglars out.

During the struggle, the robbers opened fire, hitting him in the upper body.

The gunmen then stole phones and other belongings from the family before escaping.

The victim died at the hospital. The Mandeville police are investigating.