The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

LOCAL police and Foreign Affairs officials are following reports that four Bahamian men were arrested in the Dominican Republic after $879,020 in cash was found in their luggage.

According to the Dominican Today, the Directorate General of Customs (DGA) seized $879,020 at the Gregorio Luperón Airport in the province of Puerto Plata.

It is reported two Bahamians piloted the plane that had five passengers, one Haitian woman and four Bahamian men.

“The amount, equivalent to almost 48 million Dominican pesos, arrived in the country by general aviation, coming from The Bahamas and distributed in several suitcases,” the paper said.

“According to the press release issued by the entity (DGA), the illegal cash shipment was detected when the passengers passed their luggage through the x-ray machine.

“Its detection was possible because members of Customs, the Specialized Airport and Civil Aviation Security Corps and the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) noticed a suspicious profile in the luggage of one of the passengers. Hence, they proceeded to the manual check, where a large amount of money was found.”

Yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell told reporters the matter is being investigated.

He said: “I gather that the Honorary Consul for The Bahamas in the Dominican Republic confirms that there are Bahamians under arrest. He’s trying to investigate what the particulars are. As soon as we know we’ll let you know.”

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander yesterday said he could not confirm details at this time, but noted his team is following up on the situation.