Irishman charged for cocaine allegedly found in his luggage at NMIA
Published:Saturday | March 29, 2025 | 12:20 PM
Police have arrested and charged an Irish citizen who reportedly attempted to smuggle cocaine out of Jamaica through the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston on Thursday.
Forty-one-year-old construction worker, Martin McConolgue, is charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine, and conspiracy to export cocaine.
The Kingston Eastern Firearm and Narcotics Investigation Division says about 6:30 p.m., McConolgue attempted to board a departing flight for London Gatwick when he was intercepted by the police.
The police say he was interviewed and based on inconsistencies in his answers, a search of his luggage was requested.
The police reportedly used a pointed object to pierce the base of both of his suitcases, and a white powdery substance resembling cocaine was seen.
They say four irregular parcels, each wrapped in blue carbon paper, were removed from both suitcases. The estimated weight is 7.26 kilograms.
McConolgue was arrested and taken into custody, where he was formally charged. His court date is being finalised.
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