FNID Seizes Over 30 Million in Illicit Drugs and Assets, Two Charged in Separate Incidents
Detectives assigned to the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) arrested and charged two men following separate operations conducted in St Andrew and at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) between Thursday, April 23 and Saturday, April 25. Over 60 kilograms (over 130 pounds) of cocaine, seven pounds of ganja and millions in assets were seized.
In the first incident, FNID arrested and charged 47-year-old Dwayne Barnett, an electrician of Norbrook Crescent. He was formally charged on Saturday, April 25, with the following offences:
- Possession of Ganja
- Dealing in Ganja
- Using Premises for the Storage of Ganja
About 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, members of the FNID’s Special Response Unit executed a search warrant at a complex. During the search, 55 parcels of cocaine, weighing approximately 60.2 kilograms (over 130 pounds), were discovered. A subsequent search of Barnett’s residence also led to the seizure of five pounds of ganja.
In addition to the narcotics, police seized assets including over JM$1 million and over US$1000 from one suspect. Four high-end motor vehicles were also seized. A 9mm Glock pistol, two magazines and 34 rounds of ammunition were also seized from a licensed firearm holder at the scene.
The other suspects, including a woman from the Dominican Republic, were interviewed and released. Investigations are ongoing in relation to the cocaine that was seized.
Barnett is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
In a separate incident on April 25, FNID personnel intercepted a US national at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in connection with illicit drugs.
He has been identified as 49-year-old Moroslay Lyken of Brooklyn, New York.
About 2:50 p.m., Lyken arrived at NMIA from New York. During a routine screening, anomalies were detected in his luggage. FNID officers conducted a search and found two pounds of ganja in small parcels. He was subsequently arrested and charged.
He is scheduled to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday, May 1.
Director of FNID, Superintendent Patrae Rowe, states that this operation is part of a broader strategy to dismantle narcotics networks. “Our resolve is to dismantle narcotics networks across the island, especially those that attempt to hide behind residential communities. we will continue to use data-driven intelligence to disrupt the financial lifelines of organised crime and ensure that Jamaica remains a hostile environment for illicit drug trafficking,” said Superintendent Rowe.
Since the start of the year, the Jamaica Constabulary Force has seized over 4,300 kilograms (9,400 pounds) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than JM$2.5 billion and more than 11,000 kilograms (24,000 pounds) of ganja valued at JM$72 million.
Investigations into both incidents continue.
