KINGSTON, Jamaica – Three men have been arrested in connection with the seizure of over 1,800 pounds of ganja on Spanish Town Road in Kingston on Friday.

The ganja has an estimated street value of $5.6 million.

More than $200,000 was reportedly also seized during the drug bust.

Reports are that around 10:00 pm, members of the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) intercepted a Toyota bus with two men aboard. The vehicle was reportedly searched and several knitted bags containing the ganja were found.

Further investigations resulted in the interception of another car, and another man was also arrested. All three men were taken into custody.

The men remain in police custody; however, their identities are being withheld pending further investigations.

Meanwhile, Acting Director of FNID, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Oral Henry said these sustained efforts will continue to lead to the apprehension of those involved in the illicit trade.

“This operation is a direct result of our sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks. The link between the illegal drug trade and the flow of illicit firearms into our communities is a major threat to public safety,” said DSP Henry.

“By taking these drugs and cash off the streets, we are weakening the financial capacity of these gangs and, in doing so, are directly impacting the guns-for-drugs trade that fuels violence,” he added.

Since the start of the year, over 21,000 kilograms or more than 46,000 pounds of ganja have been seized, with an estimated street value of over $143 million.

The police are reminding members of the public to report illegal firearms and narcotics by contacting FNID at 876-923-6184, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311 or the nearest police station.