The Narcotics Division of the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) seized US$850,000 of cocaine from eight American cruise ship passengers, suspected to be part of the transnational drug trafficking syndicate between Jamaica and the United States.

According to the JCF, the vessel arrived in Ocho Rios, St Ann from Miami, Florida about 1:30 pm on Wednesday (November 9).

The eight people disembarked the boat and, when they were re-boarding the vessel for departure, their bags were searched after anomalies were detected in their luggage.

During the search, members of the Narcotics Division found 24 packs of cocaine (38 pounds) concealed in their bags.

The passengers were charged for breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act.

But, their names will not be revealed pending investigation.