US$2 million bust linked to politicians

Investigators also working on information that the contractor is allegedly involved in a thriving illicit operation involving not only the export of drugs to the United States including Miami but is also allegedly involved in money laundering.

Well placed sources told Sunday Newsday the man’s operation is so huge that he has been able to get the support from customs officers and members of the protective service and other persons, including politicians.

Yesterday the US$2 million remained locked in a vault at the Central Bank after it was counted by an official of the US Customs and Excise and the serial numbers from the currency recorded. That information has been sent to the US Treasury Department to ascertain when the money was printed and where it originated from.

According to a senior customs and excise source, the man’s operation was able to prosper because of his local connections and the source added that the contractor also has persons working for him in the United States. The suspect, who is based in North East Trinidad, is believed to have set up a local business as a front and information reaching Sunday Newsday is that the man’s assets is believed to be worth millions of dollars.

On Monday during the Local Government Elections he is reported to have funded the transportation for at least one of the political parties.

On November 22, police and customs officers led by Sgt Marcelle of the Financial Investigations Bureau (FIB) raided a Santa Cruz business- place and seized a hard drive as well as other documents as part of the ongoing investigation into the US$2 million seizure. Because the contractor was not there when the officers arrived at his home and business place relatives were advised that he should report to the FIB as soon as possible to be interviewed.

However checks by Sunday Newsday reveal that Sgt Marcelle indicated to the contractor that he was awaiting direction from his seniors before proceeding with the interview.

The contractor has been keeping a low profile and his business is now being run by his girlfriend who is also linked to a politician and a cricketer.

Customs and Excise officers as well as police sources indicated yesterday that although false documents were used for the container to arrive in this country they believe that an arrest is imminent.

On November 4, Customs and Excise searched a container at the Point Lisas Port and discovered blue crocus bags filled with US currency.

Officers of the Inter Agency Task Force transported the cash to the Customs and Excise Building at Ajax Street, Port-of-Spain where the money was guarded. Two Thursdays ago the cash was transferred to the Central Bank for safekeeping.

During the investigation, a San Fernando businessman was questioned and his home raided while the same team of officers also raided a house in the East and seized a quantity of documents.