ST JAMES, Jamaica – A member of the Jamaica Defence Force, who was arrested for having more than US$40,000 in his possession at the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, made his first appearance in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

The defendant, Dwayne Forbes, is charged with concealing criminal property, bringing in criminal property into Jamaica, possession of criminal property and transporting cash exceeding US$10,000. He is represented by attorney-at-law Michael Hemmings.

Allegations are that on August 8, Forbes arrived on an incoming flight to Jamaica at the SIA and was checked by security personnel.

During the routine check, US$40,400 was allegedly found in his possession which he could not account for and had not previously been declared.

It is further alleged that during subsequent interrogation, Forbes stated that he had made an arrangement to collect the money and deliver it to an unidentified person in exchange for a percentage of the funds.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act.

READ: Soldier held with more than US$40,000

During Wednesday’s hearing, Hemmings informed the court that he had documents to prove that his client had declared the money.

The attorney also stated that he was in possession of the relevant documents relating to the case and would need some time to review them.

Presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley then set the matter for mention on October 3 and extended Forbes’ bail.