Cop, JDF soldiers nabbed in drug bust in St Andrew

A late-night intelligence-led operation in a St Andrew community turned into scandal Thursday when a police inspector and two serving Jamaica Defence Force soldiers were arrested after a vehicle search reportedly uncovered more than 12 pounds of suspected cocaine.

The arrests were made about 7:10 p.m. along Moore Street in the Woodford Park community, near Pine Bar, during a joint law enforcement operation.

Police sources say officers swooped down on the area after acting on intelligence and observed the inspector in the company of several men. Three vehicles a blue Toyota Tacoma, a red Kia and a white Step Wagon were parked nearby.

During the operation, the inspector who is attached to the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime (CTOC) branch, reportedly resisted a search of his private motorcar, forcing officers to summon a senior officer to the scene. Upon the arrival of his superior, the inspector allegedly disclosed that the vehicle contained illicit drugs.

All three vehicles were seized and transported to the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division headquarters, where they were searched in the presence of the men.

Investigators reportedly found five rectangular parcels wrapped in masking tape and clear plastic inside the blue Toyota Tacoma, which is owned by the inspector. The parcels contained a white powdery substance resembling cocaine, weighing approximately 12.5 pounds, and were discovered on the floor at the rear of the vehicle.

Also recovered from the vehicle were a Glock service pistol, three magazines loaded with a total of 53 rounds of ammunition, a Jamaica Constabulary Force identification card and a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 cellular phone.

Following the seizure, the inspector was escorted to his Portmore, St Catherine residence, where a search was conducted. No illegal items were reportedly found.

He was later taken into custody at the Half-Way-Tree Police Station, where he remains detained as investigations continue.

The two soldiers involved are believed to be in custody at Up Park Camp.

In a statement, the Jamaica Defence Force confirmed that two of its members are part of an ongoing investigation and said it is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

- Andre Williams

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