UPDATE: Kingston Freeport Terminal drug bust now valued $9 billion
The police have revealed that the massive cocaine seizure made at Kingston Freeport Terminal on Saturday morning weighs in at 1,250 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of US$62 million (J$9 billion), up from the earlier estimation of J$7.1 billion.
A reliable police source told the Jamaica Observer that the contraband was found concealed among the cargo of a vessel, which arrived from Colombia on Friday.
READ: $7 billion cocaine bust at Kingston Freeport Terminal
“The drugs were found in 50 duffel bags, each suspected to contain 25 kilos following a search of over 30 containers,” the police source said.
The source said the search, which began at 10:00 am on Friday, was completed Saturday afternoon and is part of a joint operation among the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Narcotics Division, the Jamaica Defence Force, and Jamaica Customs Agency.
“The search has concluded, but the police are still processing the scene,” the source said.
According to a JCF media release, representatives of the police and Jamaica Customs have indicated that the operation on the port will continue for an extended period to ensure the integrity of items arriving at the port.
Up to press time, police say no arrests were made in connection with the seizure.