THE Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard reported Sunday that it seized approximately 2,629 pounds of marijuana when it intercepted a vessel while conducting offshore patrols on Saturday, about 18 nautical miles south-west of Bowden Bay, St Thomas.

Two men, both Jamaicans, were later arrested by the police.

The compressed marijuana, which was packaged in knitted bags and buckets, amounted to a street value of approximately $26,290,000 according to an army release.

The vessel, detainees, and the marijuana were transported to Port Morant Police Station and handed over to investigators assigned to the Jamaica Constabulary Force Narcotics Division. The two men will remain in custody pending a formal interview in the presence of their legal counsel.

According to the release, the area where the vessel was intercepted is known for illicit trafficking between Jamaica and Haiti.

The drugs-for-guns trade between Jamaica and Haiti continues to be one of the main sources of illicit firearms for gangs in Jamaica.

Said the JDF: “This recovery has prevented the possibility of a significant number of illegal weapons returning to our shores. The security forces will continue to be relentless in its conduct of counter-illicit trafficking and other operations, in furtherance of our mandate to protect our borders and blue economy.”

It urged individuals with information about illicit activities to call the JDF, Crime Stop, National Intelligence Bureau, or make a report at the nearest police station.