Five men charged after boat allegedly intercepted with ganja in St Thomas
Published:Friday | January 3, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Five men have been charged with breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act following the seizure of approximately 1,832 pounds of compressed ganja at the Bowden Wharf in St Thomas on December 20.
The seizure was made during a joint operation between the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) and the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard.
The accused men are 48-year-old Moses Pitt, 22-year-old Rusheyne Drummonds, 38-year-old Preston Stephens, 38-year-old Andre Barracks and 50-year-old Anthonio Pitt.
The Corporate Communications Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force says members of the coast guard intercepted a canoe with the men aboard.
During any inspection of the canoe, several bags of contraband were reportedly seen in the men's possession.
The men were subsequently taken into custody and later charged with possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, trafficking ganja, taking steps preparatory to export ganja and conspiracy to traffic ganja.
The men appeared before the St Thomas Parish Court on Friday and were remanded in custody until January 28, when they will reappear before the court.
Senior Superintendent of Police Samuel Blake, who heads the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division states, “The joint efforts of the FNID and the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard demonstrate the commitment of Jamaican law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and related crimes."
He says the FNID will continue to work tirelessly with local and international partners to identify and prosecute those involved in the trafficking of drugs and guns.
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