By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterCOCAINE WEIGHING almost 500 kilogrammes, with a street value estimated at more than US$15.9 million, was seized by the police yesterday in a drug bust in the quiet district of Gimme-Me-Bit, near to the old Vernam Field airstrip, Clarendon.
The Gleaner was told that the cocaine was packaged in 16 bales and weighed 484 kilogrammes (1,064.8 lb.). A kilogramme of cocaine can fetch up to US$33,000 in the United States. Eye witnesses said the cocaine was concealed in plastic bags which were in large crocus bags.
Senior Superintendent Carl Williams, head of the Police Narcotics Division, who led the operation, was not available to comment on the find.
The Gleaner learnt that the narcotics agents swooped down on the community shortly after 5 a.m. On their arrival at the airstrip, the lawmen saw two light planes flying over, with one making an attempt to land.
CHASE, SHOOT-OUT
Several motor vehicles were also at the airstrip. On seeing the police, the drivers sped away. The police gave chase and a pick-up truck with the cocaine crashed into a wall near to a hotel in Gimme-me-Bit.
According to police sources, the occupants of the pick-up fired at the police before escaping in the community.
The police later held a prominent resident of the district, but irate citizens came out in his defence and he was released by the police.
Senior police officers who spoke with The Gleaner, said they suspect that the drug was to have been picked up at the old VernamField airstrip which is located near the district. The police said they are looking for two men who they believe can assist them with their investigations.
