The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) seized 1,272.9 pounds of marijuana during a Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing and Second District Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard joint operation on Thursday.

The JDF, in a news release, said in the wee hours of Thursday morning, service members in a JDF helicopter spotted a vessel in Jamaica’s waters while on patrol. The Second District JDF Coast Guard was alerted and the vessel was intercepted. A detailed board and search of the vessel was done during which 20 large bags of marijuana were seized.

The four occupants of the vessel were also taken into custody. Two of the men were identified as Nicaraguans. This seizure, said the army, is significant as it puts a major dent in the drugs-for-guns trade. “[Money from] this quantity of marijuana could be used to purchase approximately 15 rifles or 30 pistols,” said the JDF.

According to the army, it has been making significant investments in its air and maritime assets to increase the capacity of the force to safeguard and protect Jamaica’s blue economy.

“We urge fisherfolk and other seafarers to use our maritime spaces in accordance with the law and to report illegal activities to the JDF,” the release said.