ST JAMES, Jamaica — A United Kingdom (UK) musician and businessman has been charged after allegedly attempting to smuggle cash into the country in shampoo bottles.

The English national, 42-year-old Trevor Whyte, has been charged with possession of criminal property, cross-border movement of funds and attempted bribery after being found with the money at the Sangster International Airport on May 1.

Reports are that Whyte, who resides in White House, Westmoreland while in Jamaica and claims a permanent address in Enfield, London, was intercepted after arriving on a Virgin Atlantic flight.

Upon entering the “nothing to declare” customs channel, he was selected for routine inspection and during the scanning of his luggage, some abnormalities were detected, prompting a physical search.

This search allegedly revealed three suspicious bottles labelled as “Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner”. An examination of the bottles revealed United States (US) currency concealed in plastic wrapping.

A total of US$130,490 was allegedly recovered from the shampoo bottles.

Whyte then reportedly attempted to bribe Jamaica Customs Agency officers, encouraging them to take two of the packages and allow him to leave with the remainder of the money.

Whyte claimed the funds were legitimate earnings from musical performances and were intended to support business activities in Jamaica. However, he was unable to provide evidence of the lawful source of the funds.

The method of concealment, coupled with the attempt to evade disclosure, prompted immediate seizure of the cash and referral of the case to the Financial Investigations Divisions (FID) for investigation.

“The concealment of cash in shampoo bottles, coupled with an attempted bribe, underscores the sophisticated tactics that individuals use to bypass established financial systems. Our investigators remain vigilant and resolute in disrupting illicit financial flows that threaten Jamaica’s financial system and international reputation,” said Keith Darien, FID’s principal director of financial crime.

Following a formal interview in the presence of his attorney at the Freeport Police Station in St James on Friday, Whyte was arrested and charged. He remains in police custody and is reportedly in good physical condition.