ST MARY, Jamaica — A 63-year-old man and his common-law wife are now in custody after police seized approximately three pounds of cocaine at their apartment in St Mary during a major operation in the parish on Tuesday.

They are John Fitzgeral Edwards and his common-law wife Sonia Burgess, both of Huddersfield, St Mary, who have been charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine and using premises to store cocaine.

The seizure was made during an intelligence-led operation carried out by the St Mary Police between 3:00am and 11:30 am on Tuesday. The operation took place across Huddersfield and Tower Isle.

The operation involved several arms of the  Jamaica Constabulary Force, (JCF), including the Area Two Fugitive Apprehension Team, Canine Division, Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, Caribbean Search Centre and Area Two Highway Patrol, as well as the Jamaica Defence Force.

The lawmen carried out simultaneous targeted raids, cordon and search activities and vehicle checkpoints targeting wanted persons , persons of interest and persons believed to be involved in criminal activities. During the operation two men were also arrested and charged.

They are 36-year- old electrician Christopher Sterling and 23-year- old Devante Duncan, both of Huddersfield, who were charged in connection with possession of identity information. An additional 18 individuals were detained for questioning, processed and subsequently released.