KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Three ramp attendants at the Sangster International Airport in the western city of Montego Bay, along with a British citizen, have been arrested and charged in connection with the seizure of 40 pounds of cocaine during two separate incidents at the airport last week.
Those charged are Rushen Powell, 36, Leroy Jones, 62, Ojay Simpson, 35 and UK resident Salha Suleiman Said.
In the first incident on December 11, a joint operation carried out by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (F-NID) and the Customs Agency resulted in the seizure of 28.5 pounds of cocaine, valued at approximately £500,000.
The significant bust followed an extensive investigation into insider threats within the airport environment.
Five airport employees were apprehended and interviewed following the bust.
Powell, Jones and Simpson were subsequently charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine, and conspiracy to export cocaine.
The other two employees were released pending further investigation.
Three days later, on Saturday, December 14, the British citizen was arrested at the airport after 12 pounds of cocaine were discovered in her luggage.
Said was intercepted by officers during check-in for an outgoing flight to the UK and a search revealed the illicit substance.
She has been charged with possession of cocaine and taking steps to export cocaine.
Head of the FNID, Sam Blake, says the successful operations demonstrate the agency’s unwavering commitment to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs through Jamaica’s airports.
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