Largest cash haul in Jamaica’s history found in freezer

The successful operation came from co-operation between the JCF, the Financial Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Monday February 20, 2012 – The Jamaican government is now US$1.35 million richer.

That’s because the money, equivalent to JA$117 million, seized by police in 2007 under the Proceeds Of Crime Act (POCA) is to be turned over to the government.

The cash, which represents the largest seizure in that country’s history, was found inside a freezer during a search of a West Cumberland premises in St. Catherine by members of the Organised Crime Investigation Division.

Charges were laid in the matter, but the case was later dismissed.

However, director of Communication of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Mr. Karl Angell said the case relating to the seizure of the money started after the criminal case was thrown out, and described it as a major success for the police.

He explained that the results came from co-operation between the JCF, the Financial Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The POCA passed in 2007 allows police through the court to freeze, seize and forfeit the assets of people involved in criminal activity. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)