KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Financial Investigations Division (FID) says it has successfully secured a Pecuniary Penalty Order in the Supreme Court against a St Andrew mechanic for his involvement in drug trafficking activities.

Fernando Roye reportedly benefited financially to the tune of approximately J$2 million. He was apprehended on August 15, 2019, by officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Narcotics Division during an operation at Premier Plaza in St Andrew, where he was reportedly found in possession of a significant quantity of cocaine concealed in a black knapsack inside a white Mitsubishi Lancer.

Roye was subsequently charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, trafficking cocaine, and conspiracy to traffic cocaine.

On July 24, Justice C. Tie Powell issued a Pecuniary Penalty Order under Section 5(3)(b) of the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2007, requiring Roye to pay J$2 million as a penalty. The payment schedule includes an initial payment of J$250,000 in July 2024, another J$250,000 by August 30, 2024, and monthly instalments of J$41,666 until the full amount is settled.

According to a release from the FID on Monday, this conviction and penalty demonstrate the organisation’s “unwavering commitment to working with law enforcement partners like the JCF to combat crime. We are dedicated to ensuring that those who engage in illegal activities face the full consequences of their actions, including forfeiting any ill-gotten gains.”

The FID has since urged the public to report any suspicious or criminal activities to them or their local law enforcement partners.