JAMAICA: THREE LARGE GANJA SEIZURES IN TWO WEEKS

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000539

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INL/LP (BOZZOLO),WHA/CAR (BENT)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SNAR KCRM JM
SUBJECT: JAMAICA: THREE LARGE GANJA SEIZURES IN TWO WEEKS



1. On February 21, during a routine examination of a 20-foot
container located at the Kingston wharves, the Contraband
Enforcement Team (CET),accompanied by the Narcotics police
found 294.55 kilograms of processed marijuana inside 27 tins
of sealed cheese. The shipment belonged to Paul Bennett of
85 Hughden Avenue, Kingston 20 and was consigned to Midland
Distributors Ltd. The Narcotics police are questioning
Bennett. No arrests have been made.


2. On March 1, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) officers on
routine patrol along the seashores of Port Kaiser, Saint
Elizabeth, discovered 317 kilograms of compressed ganja. No
arrests were made. The Narcotics police are investigating.


3. On March 3, a joint operation involving the Jamaica
Defence Force and the Narcotics Police resulted in the
seizure of 400 kilograms of compressed marijuana hidden
aboard a 30-foot yacht, registration number RB328 at the Port
Antonio harbor. Three Americans were arrested and charged
with possession of, dealing in, and taking steps to export
ganja. The vessel was seized for a more comprehensive search
and the ganja was handed over to the Narcotics Division.

JOHNSON