Police inspector, two soldiers arrested in St Andrew drug operation

A police inspector and two Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) solders were arrested following an operation involving the seizure of drugs in St Andrew on Thursday night.

The Jamaica Defence Force confirmed in a statement that two of its members are part of an ongoing investigation and said it is cooperating fully with authorities.

The cop is reportedly attached to the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime (CTOC) branch of the police service.

The arrests reportedly occurred around 7:10 p.m. in the vicinity of Pine Bar along Moore Street in the Woodford Park community, following the operation.

Police sources said officers observed the inspector in the company of two men and three vehicles - a blue Toyota Tacoma, a red Kia, and a white Step Wagon, parked nearby.

All three vehicles were later seized and taken to the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division headquarters, where searches were conducted in the presence of the men.

In the blue Toyota Tacoma investigators reportedly found five rectangular parcels containing a white powdery substance resembling cocaine, weighing approximately 12.5 pounds.

Also recovered were a Glock service pistol, three magazines with 53 rounds of ammunition, a Jamaica Constabulary Force identification card, and a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 phone.

The inspector was escorted to his Portmore, St Catherine residence, where a search reportedly yielded no illegal items.

He was subsequently taken into custody at Half-Way-Tree Police Station.

The two soldiers are understood to be in custody at Up Park Camp.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

- Andre Williams

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