WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – A coordinated joint maritime operation conducted by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), led to the seizure of a large quantity of marijuana aboard a vessel in the vicinity of Cave, Westmoreland on Friday.

The vessel was intercepted early Friday morning, and a detailed search revealed it was transporting an undetermined quantity of marijuana, 19 drums of fuel and three individuals. One of these individuals was identified as a key player in the drug trafficking trade, a statement from the JCF’s Corporate Communications Unit read.

The quantity of the illicit drug was not revealed.

“This successful counter-illicit trafficking mission was achieved through the coordinated actions of the Second Battalion the Jamaica Regiment, the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing, Second District Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard and the JCF Narcotics division,” the police said.

Additionally, the JDF said it continues to prioritise protecting its borders and blue economy, through various methodologies and support mechanisms.

“The recent acquisition of maritime vessels has exponentially given the Force added capabilities to operationally protect its interests in the most efficient ways possible,” the JCF said.