Packets of compressed ganja that were found by the narcotics police for export on January 30. - File

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Ganja seizure for the first quarter of this year has sky-rocketed, says Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Carlton Wilson, commander of the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) Narcotics Division.

"Last year we seized over 37,000 kilograms of ganja and between January and February, we have already seized over 20,000 kilograms," SSP Wilson told The Sunday Gleaner. "We believe that because of the scarcity of cocaine, there has been a significant increase in ganja production."

The officer said he has been in consultation with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), to get help in identifying and destroying ganja fields islandwide.

He further explained that the numerous successful operations have hurt the drug smugglers, who have now resorted to their old method of targeting marine interests.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of canisters with compressed ganja found at sea. On Thursday, 11 canisters were found at a port in Discovery Bay. The targeted vessel was scheduled to depart for Louisiana, United States. The canisters were discovered during a routine check by JDF coastguards.

"The method of using canisters to smuggle away ganja is not new. There was a lull for some time, but they have now returned more organised," said SSP Wilson.

Divers involved in the illegal practice are paid up to US$5,000 per canister. One canister of compressed ganja weighs up to 130 pounds.

"We believe that the area where the canisters were found was being used as a storage area, because there is no way all 11 canisters could have been affixed to the vessel," Commander of the JCF Marine Division, Marlon Dietrich, said yesterday.

New fleet

At least 24 canisters with compressed ganja have been seized since the start of the year, according to the police.

The Marine police, who recently acquired a new fleet of vessels, have increased their presence at the major ports islandwide.

"We have put in place additional resources in Portland, Ocho Rios (St. Ann), Negril (Westmoreland), the Montego Bay Freeport (St. James) and Black River (St. Elizabeth)," said Supt. Dietrich.

According to the police, official divers are reluctant to dive and search the hull of ships docked in the Kingston Harbour because of the high level of pollution. Apart from being ill-equipped, the JCF is short of divers.