KINGSTON, Jamaica – One British woman and three airport agents have been charged after two cocaine seizures at the Sangster International Airport last week.

The Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) intercepted over 40 pounds of cocaine in the two incidents.

The JCF says on Saturday, a female British citizen, Salha Suleiman Said, was arrested at the airport after 12 pounds of cocaine was discovered in her luggage.

Said was intercepted by FNID officers during check-in for an outgoing flight to the UK. Subsequent search revealed the illicit substance.

She has been charged with possession of cocaine and taking steps to export cocaine. Her court date is pending.

Three days earlier on December 11, a joint operation between the FNID and the Jamaica Customs Agency Contraband Enforcement Team, dubbed ‘Clean Sweep’, resulted in the seizure of 28.5 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of close to £500,000.

The bust followed what police describe as extensive investigation into insider threats within the airport environment. Five airport employees were apprehended and subsequently interviewed, three were charged.

Facing counts of possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine, and conspiracy to export cocaine are Rushen ‘Romie’ Powell, a 36-year-old ramp agent of Norwood, St James; Leroy ‘Rata’ Jones, a 62-year-old lead ramp agent of Mount Salem, Montego Bay, St James; and Ojay ‘Simo’ Simpson, a 35-year-old ramp agent of Salt Marsh, Trelawny.

Their court date is pending. The remaining two employees have been released pending further investigation.