JDF makes $1.4 billion cocaine seizure offshore St Elizabeth

JDF seizure of over 2500 kilograms of cocaine (Photo: Jamaica Defence Force)

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March 23, 2026

JDF makes $1.4 billion cocaine seizure offshore St Elizabeth

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Over 2,500 kilograms of cocaine were seized offshore St Elizabeth over the weekend following the interception of a vessel travelling in Jamaican waters.

The Maritime Air and Cyber Command of the Jamaica Defence Force seized the cocaine, which has an estimated street value of around $1.4 billion, from the vessel approximately 10 nautical miles (NM) southeast of Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, on Saturday.

Reports are that the First District Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard was conducting patrols along Jamaica’s coastline when a go-fast vessel was spotted near the Treasure Beach area, destined for mainland Jamaica.

The vessel was intercepted, and a successful board and search was conducted.

A detailed search uncovered 99 packages of cocaine weighing a total of 2,544.404 kilograms, eighteen 18 fuel drums, one go-fast vessel with three outboard engines, and other paraphernalia.

Three people were detained in connection with the seizure. The seized items and the detainees were handed over to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID).

The JDF says the operation underscores its unwavering commitment to protecting Jamaica’s national borders against transnational organised crime.

It maintained that it will continue to work alongside national and international partners to secure Jamaica’s maritime space, strengthen our borders, and counter illicit activities that threaten regional stability and the Blue Economy.

A fastboat which the JDF says was carrying over 2500 kilograms of cocaine (Photo: Jamaica Defence Force)