Cocaine seizures in 2026 eclipse last six years combined – police
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the first six months of 2026, the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) has seized more cocaine than the combined total of six consecutive years (2016-2021), and it is the highest amount seized in the past 10 years.
Police say since the start of the year, they have seized over 5,100 kilograms (more than 11,000 pounds) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of approximately J$3 billion.
Within the last decade, between 2016 and 2025, lawmen seized a total of 11,852 kilograms of cocaine.
The 2026 total represents 43 per cent of this decade-long sum, while 2016 to 2021 saw a total of 4,916 kilograms of cocaine seized.
The amount seized this year has also more than doubled the previous single record of 2,508 kilograms (5,529 pounds) recorded in 2024.
Director of the FNID, Superintendent Patrae Rowe, emphasised the strategic importance of this milestone.
“Removing over 5,000 kilograms of cocaine from the illicit market in less than six months is a good achievement for our investigators and border security partners. This J$3 billion seizure directly impacts on the financial infrastructure of criminal syndicates and helps prevent the violence they cause from reaching our streets. We will continue to vigorously pursue and dismantle these networks,” said Rowe.
