Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Narcotics detectives yesterday dealt another massive blow to the illegal drug trade, when they seized some 15,000 lbs of compressed ganja and four motor vehicles, during a major operation in the Mountain View Avenue area of Kingston.

This is one of the largest ganja finds within the last decade. According to the narcotics police, the high quality drug which was found with a large quantity of hash oil, has an estimated street value of over J$2 billion.

"Our investigation is now pointing us to other parishes in search of the masterminds," head of the Narcotics Division, Senior Superintendent Carlton Wilson told The Gleaner yesterday.

Three men escape

SSP Wilson said that his team swooped down on premises at Goodwill Avenue shortly after 7:00 a.m. yesterday, where three men were seen carrying out repairs to two motor cars. They ran on the approach of the police. Three white Toyota Hiace minibuses were seen parked close to each other.

The police later gained entry to the vehicles and discovered that over 250 carton boxes, labelled 'Jamaica Produce' were packed with compressed ganja. The vehicles were towed away to the Narcotics Headquarters on Spanish Town Road, Kingston.

"We are now trying to determine the owners of the vehicles," said Mr. Wilson.

The Narcotics Chief stressed that as part of its policing strategy this year, his team will be focussing on ganja production and supply.

"Since the start of year we have already seized over 22,000 pounds of compressed ganja, plus a large quantity of hash oil and 950 ecstasy tablets," the senior officer commented.

Last week the police seized close to 6,000 pounds of ganja and 90 lbs of hash oil, following separate raids in the Corporate Area and Clarendon. At least eight persons were arrested and charged.