Two government officials arrested following large cocaine seizure

Two senior government officials, a man and a woman, have been arrested following the seizure of over $5 m worth of cocaine during an operation at the Sangster International Airport in St. James, yesterday.

Reports are that about midday, the 2 were intercepted by agents from the port security and the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) at a security check point, while attempting to board a flight destined for New York, in the United States of America.

During a search of their luggage, officers reportedly found several false compartments, containing rectangular packages of cocaine, weighing 9.25 kg.

The illicit drug has an estimated street value of $5.4 m.

A search of a handbag also yielded a sum of cash, in US currency.

Following the airport arrests, FNID officers conducted secondary operations at the residences of both persons, where a Glock 19 pistol, 13 rounds of ammunition and an ounce of cocaine were reportedly found.

Further reports at that the man revealed to the police that he had ingested more than 70 pellets of cocaine.

He has since been admitted in a medical facility, under police guard.

Director of FNID Superintendent Patrae Rowe said that the police have intensified their operations to nab perpetrators involved in the illegal firearms and narcotics trade.

Investigations into the seizure are ongoing.