Old Harbour Bay bar operator charged after ganja, counterfeit goods seized

Police in Old Harbour Bay, St. Catherine, Jamaica, have charged a 37-year-old bar operator following a targeted raid that resulted in the seizure of illicit items. The operation, aimed at curbing illegal activities, led to the arrest of Kemelia Smith.

The raid, conducted on Sunday morning by officers from the Old Harbour Bay Police Station, focused on a bar located along Terminal Road. During the search of the premises, authorities reportedly discovered a significant quantity of contraband. This included 37 sticks of uncustomed Sunni cigarettes, 17 transparent bags containing what appeared to be ganja, and an additional five cups and one container holding a total of 28 ounces of the substance.

In addition to the drugs and cigarettes, the police also allegedly found counterfeit alcoholic beverages. Two 750ml bottles labeled as rum, but bearing counterfeit labels, and one 750ml bottle of imitation Campari liquor were confiscated. These findings point to a wider operation involving the sale of illicit goods.

Kemelia Smith, the operator of the bar, was arrested at the scene. She has since been formally charged with several offenses, including possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, possession of uncustomed goods, and breaches of the Customs and Excise Duty Act. The charges underscore the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the trade of illegal substances and counterfeit products in the community.