Construction worker charged after $51 million cocaine bust in St Andrew

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A construction worker has been charged with multiple drug related offences following an intelligence-led police operation that resulted in the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately $51.7 million at his residence in University Crescent, Papine, St Andrew, on Monday, November 2.

Fifty-year-old Adrian Beckford, otherwise called “Paul”, has been charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, taking steps preparatory to export cocaine, and conspiracy to export cocaine.

According to police reports, at approximately 11:30 pm, members of the Specialized Operations Branch (SOB) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team executed a search warrant at Beckford’s premises. During the search, the lawmen reportedly discovered several cartons containing cocaine. The Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) was subsequently contacted, and the substance was weighed, amounting to approximately 69 kilograms (152 pounds), with an estimated street value of $51.7 million.