Cash seized in BVI after false declaration

Sunday, January 25, 2004

ROAD TOWN, BVI: Officers from the British Virgin Islands Customs Department seized almost $50,000 in cash from a male passenger on the morning of January 22 at the West End Ferry Dock.

Assistant Comptroller of Enforcement Mr. Dean Fahie reported that the passenger was travelling from Redhook, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands and failed to declare the amount of money he was carrying in his possession.

According to Mr. Fahie, the Customs Declaration Forms, which must be filled out by each incoming passenger to the BVI, have a section in which currency exceeding $10,000 must be indicated.

He told the Government Information Service that, while the passenger had completed one of the forms, he did not declare that he was travelling with currency worth more than $10,000, as stipulated in the document.

Mr. Fahie explained that, when the passenger was about to clear Customs, he started acting in a suspicious manner and the officer on duty specifically questioned him about anything he may not have declared on the form.

The Assistant Comptroller added that, after the passenger insisted he was not violating the declaration form, the customs officer carried out an intensive personal search, as well as inspected his baggage. The man was immediately detained upon discovery of the cash.

Mr. Fahie indicated that the matter is now under further investigation by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Drug Unit and HM Customs. 

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