A 48-year-old man was arrested after he was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle a quantity of cocaine through the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston on Tuesday (May 2).

Charged is Allister Christie of Above Rocks, St. Andrew, and Ontario, in Canada.

Reports are that Christie checked in at the airport to board a flight destined to Canada.

During security procedures, anomalies were detected and christie reportedly attempted to flee the airport.

He was accosted, searched and during the search, the drug with an estimated value of $12 million was found on him. He was taken into custody.

Following a question-and-answer session in the presence of his attorney, Christie was charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, taking steps to export cocaine; and conspiracy to export cocaine.

He is to appear before the Kingston and St. Andrew parish court on Tuesday, May 9.