The Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) was under a virtual lockdown for several hours late Friday as security forces continued a high-level operation into a major cocaine bust that the police have estimated at approximately J$1 billion.
The Gleaner reports that the operation reportedly began Thursday morning and remained active late Friday as police, the Jamaica Customs Agency and other members of the security forces restricted movement in and around the port while pursuing leads into the shipment and persons who may have been involved.
In a statement Friday night, the Jamaica Constabulary Force confirmed the operation, noting that it followed investigations into the cocaine seizure earlier last week.
A source close to the investigation, but who was not authorized to speak, told The Gleaner that at least eight employees were detained on Friday during the operation and that their personal vehicles were searched while they were placed in handcuffs.
One employee was detained on Thursday after investigators began probing the movement of a container under survellance at the facility.
The investigation subsequently expanded as authorities sought to determine whether other persons were involved.
The authorities had reportedly been monitoring the movement of containers, and the surveillance formed part of the operation that led to the discovery of the cocaine.
The investigation has also extended beyond Kingston, with premises in St Thomas and other parishes reportedly searched as investigators continued to follow leads.
On Friday, Customs and police reportedly intercepted another container or trailer being moved out of the port and began examining its contents. The driver was detained, according to sources.
By 7 pm on Friday, the staff car park remained closed, and employees were reportedly restricted from moving freely within the facility.
The exact quantity and value of the cocaine, as well as the number of persons detained, had not been officially disclosed.
The development comes against the backdrop of a record year for cocaine seizures in Jamaica.
