UK resident held for not declaring money at airport

A resident of the United Kingdom (UK), who had an excess of PS10,000 (approximately J$1.9 million) in her luggage, maintained her innocence on Wednesday when she appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Nicole Smith pleaded not guilty to cross border movement, concealment of criminal property, possession of criminal property, bringing criminal property into Jamaica and conspiracy to bring criminal property into Jamaica. Under Jamaican law, a person carrying more than PS10,000 into the country must declare the amount at the airport. Prosecutors contend that sometime in December, Smith arrived from the UK and declared that she had PS8,000 in her possession. However, when her luggage was searched, PS2,000 was found in each foot of a pair of shoes as well in each front pocket of a blue jeans skirt. An envelope marked 'Funeral' contained another PS4,800, with an additional PS3,165 in a purse.

When she was questioned by the police, Smith explained that the PS4,800 was given to her by a friend for a funeral and the remaining funds belonged to her. She said further that she did not declare the sums because she could not bother with the hassle and the money possibly being seized by the police.

The matter was adjourned until January 18 for file completion.