Port under probe - Billion-dollar cocaine bust triggers lockdown at wharf in Kingston

The Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) was under a virtual lockdown for several hours until late Friday as security forces continued a high-level operation into a major cocaine bust that the police have estimated at approximately J$1 billion.

The operation reportedly began Thursday morning and remained active late Friday as police, the Jamaica Customs Agency and other members of the security forces restricted movement in and around the port while pursuing leads into the shipment and persons who may have been involved.

In a statement last night, the Jamaica Constabulary Force confirmed the operation, noting that it followed investigations into the cocaine seizure earlier in the week.

A source close to the investigation, but who was not authorised to speak, told The Gleaner that at least eight employees were detained on Friday during the operation and that their personal vehicles were searched while they were placed in handcuffs.

The Gleaner understands that one employee was detained on Thursday after investigators began probing the movement of a container under surveillance at the facility.

The investigation subsequently expanded as authorities sought to determine whether other persons were involved.

The authorities had reportedly been monitoring the movement of containers and that the surveillance formed part of the operation that led to the discovery of the cocaine.

Investigation in other parishes

The investigation has also extended beyond Kingston, with premises in St Thomas and other parishes reportedly searched as investigators continued to follow leads.

On Friday, Customs and police personnel reportedly intercepted another container or trailer being moved out of the port and began examining its contents. The driver was detained, sources said.

By 7 p.m. on Friday, the staff car park remained closed and employees were reportedly restricted from moving freely within the facility.

A staff member who did not want to be identified told The Gleaner that personnel were also prevented from using their cellular phones while the operation was under way.

Roads leading into and out of the port were being manned by members of the security forces.

The exact quantity and value of the cocaine, as well as the number of persons detained, had not been officially disclosed up to press time.

The development comes against the backdrop of a record year for cocaine seizures in Jamaica.

The Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division said in June that more than 5,100 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately J$3 billion, had been seized during the first six months of 2026.

The amount had already surpassed the combined cocaine seizures for the previous six years and was more than double the previous single-year record of 2,508 kilograms recorded in 2024.

The latest operation remained active late Friday, with sources indicating that further developments and possible arrests could follow.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com