A 56-year-old St James resident has been arrested following a major narcotics operation that uncovered cocaine and ganja destined for the United States.
Roderick Spence, a 56-year-old resident of Westgate Hill in Montego Bay, has been arrested and charged in connection with a major drug seizure at the Kingston Freeport Terminal, Jamaica Observer reports. The charges stem from a coordinated operation conducted on August 7 by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division and the Jamaica Customs Agency.
During the operation, authorities inspected a shipping container bound for the United States and discovered 103 parcels of cocaine alongside 123 parcels of ganja. The seized narcotics carry an estimated street value exceeding $71 million. Spence was taken into custody on September 7 and subsequently charged following a formal interview.
The accused faces eight charges related to the seizure, including possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine, conspiracy to export cocaine, possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, attempting to export ganja, and conspiracy to export ganja. According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, this arrest marks a significant development following a series of targeted operations at the terminal between August 5 and 7.
The broader enforcement initiative at Kingston Freeport Terminal has proven substantial, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of more than 2,000 kilograms of cocaine along with quantities of ganja. Those eight suspects have been released on pre-charge bail while investigations continue. Spence is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on September 16 to answer the charges against him.
The Kingston Freeport Terminal has been the focus of intensified drug enforcement operations by Jamaican authorities, reflecting ongoing efforts to intercept narcotics trafficking through the island’s major ports. These operations represent part of a broader strategy to combat the movement of illicit drugs through Jamaica’s cargo infrastructure.
This case underscores Jamaica’s continued struggle with transnational drug trafficking and the use of Caribbean ports as transit points for narcotics destined for North American markets. The seizure highlights the scale of organized smuggling operations and the ongoing work of Jamaican law enforcement to disrupt these networks.
Written & Edited by Orlyn Edwards. Published by Caribbean Air Force Media.
Category: News · Island routing: Jamaica