MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A businessman was fined more than $3 million in the Manchester Parish Court on Monday, after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine valued at $11 million.

Fifty-three-year-old Sheldon Cameron was sentenced to pay $950,000 or six months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and $2,375,000 or six months imprisonment at hard labour for dealing in cocaine.

Reports are that on February 11, 2024, officers from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) conducted an operation at Cameron’s premises where they searched his vehicle and found 2.3 kilograms of cocaine hidden under the driver’s seat.

The seized cocaine was valued at approximately US$70,000 or J$11 million.

Cameron was later charged with breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Head of the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division, Superintendent Samuel Blake commented, “this outcome underscores our dedication to combating organised crime and ensuring justice is served. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of those who threaten public safety.”

No evidence was offered against Cameron’s co-accused Nicola Munroe.

A forfeiture hearing is set for January 30, 2025 in the Manchester Circuit Court to address the seizure of assets related to the crime.