Three Colombians slapped with several charges following largest single cocaine seizure in Jamaica

Three Colombian nationals are to face the court next month to answer to charges relating to what police describe as the largest single cocaine seizure in Jamaica’s recorded history.

The seizure valued at approximately J$1.65 b follows a coastal interception on Saturday March 21.

Charged are 39-year-old Lucio Henry, 34-year-old Arith Lopez and 22-year-old Klein Sinclair, all fishermen of Colombian addresses.

They have been charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, importing cocaine, trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine and illegal entry.

Reports are that at 4:10 a.m. on March 21, members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) intercepted an unnamed fishing vessel, off the coast of Alligator Pond, Manchester.

The 3 men were reportedly found aboard with 99 knitted bags of cocaine.

The vessel and cargo were escorted to the JDF coast guard base, at Port Royal in Kingston and then handed over to investigators of the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID).

The knitted bags revealed more than 2,400 parcels of cocaine weighing over 6,000 pounds.

FNID Director, Superintendent Patrae Rowe said this seizure is indicative of the consistent collaboration among the authorities to dismantle the illegal drug trade.

The 3 accused men were formally interviewed on Tuesday March 24 in the presence of their legal team and an interpreter.

Following these interviews they were officially charged today.

The men are scheduled to appear before the Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday April 7.