KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard has made a significant dent in the region’s drug-trafficking network after seizing more than 990 pounds of cocaine during a joint counter-narcotics operation off Jamaica’s southern coast on Wednesday.

The estimated street value of the drugs is $3.7 billion.

According to the JDF, members of the First District Coast Guard were on routine patrol when they detected and pursued a vessel suspected of transporting illicit drugs. It is alleged that during the chase, individuals aboard the vessel attempted to discard several packages overboard.

The JDF said the coast guard boarding team quickly recovered the packages, which were later confirmed to contain approximately 990.71 pounds of cocaine.

The contraband was transported to the First District Coast Guard Base and handed over to the narcotics police for processing.

The JDF described the operation as a major disruption to regional drug-trafficking efforts and emphasised that it highlights the force’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Jamaica’s maritime borders.

The force further reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with local and international partners to strengthen border security, protect Jamaican citizens and combat transnational organised crime across the region.