Jamaican authorities have launched an intensive search for a St. Elizabeth farmer following the interception of a substantial cocaine shipment weighing approximately 50.2 kilograms at Sangster International Airport. The significant narcotics seizure occurred on Monday evening during routine security operations.
Law enforcement officials from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) have identified the wanted individual as Renaldo Brooks, who is now considered a person of interest in the ongoing investigation. The discovery was made around 7:00 pm when advanced scanning equipment detected irregularities within a suitcase scheduled for transit to Canada.
Upon thorough inspection, narcotics officers uncovered multiple sealed packages containing what was later confirmed to be high-purity cocaine. The confiscated drugs, totaling over 100 pounds, carry an estimated street value of J$30 million (approximately US$192,000), representing one of the major drug interdictions at Jamaican ports this year.
Superintendent Patrae Rowe, Director of FNID, emphasized the critical importance of enhanced security measures at Jamaica’s entry points. “Our intensified vigilance at port facilities continues to yield significant results in combating narcotics trafficking,” Rowe stated. “This successful operation demonstrates our unwavering dedication to dismantling drug networks and prosecuting individuals who attempt to exploit our aviation infrastructure for illegal purposes.”
The recent seizure follows a similar incident earlier this month that resulted in the arrest and charging of two senior municipal corporation employees. Those arrests were connected to another cocaine interception at the same airport valued at over J$5 million, indicating persistent challenges with drug smuggling operations through Jamaican transportation hubs.