‘Suspicious item’ seized, passenger taken into custody over security breach at Sangster airport

MBJ Airports Limited, the operator of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, is reporting that the passenger along with the “suspicious item” that triggered a disruption in operations today have been taken into custody.

MBJ did not disclose the nature of the item in question.

However, a source told The Gleaner that the item is lighter in the form on a fake gun.

In a statement this afternoon, MBJ indicated that about 12:25 p.m. a security breach was detected at the airport.

It notes that a suspicious item entered the security restricted area, prompting an immediate response from the police and airport security.

As a precautionary measure, the airport suspended boarding operations.

Three departing and one arriving flight were cancelled due to the disruption.

MBJ says it also restricted further access to the security restricted area and activated its emergency protocols in response to the breach.

The protocols involved the implementation of enhanced screening for passengers, pursuant to the requirements of the approved Airport Security Programme.

Subsequently, the item in question was located by the police search team and it, as well as the passenger, was taken into custody.

Normal airport operations resumed at 2:33p.m.

The police are continuing their investigations.

And MBJ says airlines are making alternative arrangements to transport their passengers to their respective destinations as early as possible.  

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