Police on Monday seized cocaine valuing more than J$12 million at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston.

Five people were taken into custody in connection with the seizure.

The drug, weighing 9.9 kilograms (21.71 pounds), was discovered by police officers from the Narcotics Division and personnel from the Jamaica Customs Agency.

Reports are that about 3:15 p. m., five male Jamaican passengers arrived at the NMIA from Curaçao. During security screening procedures, their belongings were searched and backpacks with false compartments containing the cocaine - which has a street value of $12.5m - was found. All five were arrested.

The Narcotics police said they are continuing their investigations into this matter with a view of proffering charges.