Key Takeaways
- The Kingston Freeport Terminal underwent a lockdown due to a major cocaine bust estimated at J$1 billion.
- Security forces arrested at least eight employees connected to the cocaine investigation.
- The authorities expanded the probe to other parishes, conducting searches and intercepting trailers related to the shipment.
- As of now, the exact quantity and value of the seized cocaine remain undisclosed, alongside the number of detained individuals.
- Jamaica is experiencing a record year for cocaine seizures, surpassing previous records with over 5,100 kilograms confiscated in just six months.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
The security forces put the Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) under lockdown for several hours last week during a high-level operation. This operation concerned a major cocaine bust, which the police estimated to be worth approximately J$1 billion.
The operation, which started on Thursday morning, continued until late Friday. During this time, police, the Jamaica Customs Agency, and other security forces restricted movement in and around the port. They did this as they followed leads related to the shipment and individuals who may have been involved.
On Friday night, the Jamaica Constabulary Force confirmed the operation. They stated that it followed investigations into a cocaine seizure earlier that week.
The Gleaner reported that a source close to the investigation confirmed that the police arrested at least eight employees.
The situation began on Thursday when investigators detained an employee related to the movement of containers. The police had been monitoring these containers at the facility.
As a result, the authorities broadened the investigation to determine who were the conspirators.
Authorities have expanded the cocaine Investigation in other parishes
The investigation has expanded beyond Kingston. Law enforcement has reportedly conducted searches in St. Thomas and other parishes as investigators continue to follow leads.
On Friday, Customs and police personnel intercepted another trailer as it was exiting the port. The authorities detained the driver as they search the container, according to sources.
By 7 PM on Friday, the staff car park remained closed. Also, the police prevented employees from moving freely within the facility.
According to the Gleaner, an unnamed staff member, reported that the authorities prohibited personnel from using their cell phones while the operation was in progress. In addition, members of the security forces sealed off roads leading into and out of the port.
So far, the authorities have yet to disclose the exact quantity and value of the cocaine. They have also not shared the number of individuals detained.
The recent news comes amid a record year for cocaine seizures in Jamaica. The Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division reported in June that over 5,100 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately J$3 billion, had been seized during the first six months of 2026. This amount has already exceeded the total cocaine seizures of the previous six years. And it is more than double the previous single-year record of 2,508 kilograms.
The investigation remained active. Sources indicated that further developments and possible arrests could follow.