ST THOMAS, Jamaica — Five men have been charged with breaches under the Dangerous Drugs Act following the seizure of approximately 1,832 pounds of compressed ganja at the Bowden Wharf, St Thomas during a joint operation with the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard recently.

Charged are 48-year-old Moses Pitt; 22-year-old Rusheyne Drummonds; 38-year-old Preston Stephens; 38-year-old Andre Barracks; and 50-year-old Anthonio Pitt.

Reports are that on Friday, December 20, 2024, members of the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard intercepted a canoe with the men aboard. During an inspection of the canoe, several bags of contraband were seen in the men’s possession, the police said.

The men were subsequently taken into custody and later charged with possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, trafficking ganja, taking steps preparatory to export ganja, and conspiracy to traffic ganja.

They appeared before the St Thomas Parish Court on Friday, January 3, and were subsequently remanded in custody until January 28 when they will reappear before the court.

Commenting on the operation, Senior Superintendent of Police Samuel Blake, who heads the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) said, “The joint efforts of the FNID and the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard demonstrate the commitment of Jamaican law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and related crimes.”

“As we move forward in 2025, the FNID will continue to work tirelessly with our local and international partners to identify and prosecute those involved in the trafficking of drugs and guns,” he added.