British nationals arrested at both int’l airports for cocaine smuggling
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Three British nationals have been arrested for cocaine possession over two days according to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Police say 50-year-old Nigel Manning was arrested at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James on Thursday following an attempt to smuggle cocaine, just one day after detectives at the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) arrested two other British nationals for the same offence at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston.
Manning, who is of Northumberland in London, England, was subsequently charged on Friday, March 14 with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine and conspiracy.
Reports are that about 3:20 pm, FNID personnel were conducting a security screening at the facility, for passengers boarding a flight destined for London Gatwick Airport.
During the screening, Manning’s actions aroused suspicion among the lawmen. A subsequent search of his luggage revealed seven frozen coconuts containing approximately four kilograms (nine pounds) of cocaine.
The drug has an estimated street value of £128,000 (JM $26 million).
The previous day, on Wednesday, 51-year-old Derrick Winston and 41-year-old Lisa Wood, both of Sand Way Road, Orrington in England were arrested and charged with multiple offences after attempting to smuggle over 30 pounds of cocaine at the NMIA.
Winston and Wood are awaiting their day in court to answer to charges of possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine and conspiracy.
