Afghan visitor detained, being probed for suspected terrorist links

An Afghan man with United States (US)citizenship has been detained and is now under investigation by the local US Embassy and the police for suspected links to terrorist organisations.

According to a report posted on the Caribbean news agency, CANA’s website, the man identified as Sohail Muhammad Siddiq was arrested by investigators from the Transnational Crime and Narcotics Division shortly after he arrived here Wednesday at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay from Dubai and was found with US$250,000.

He was subsequently held by the police in relation to breaches of the Customs Act and Proceeds of Crime Act. The authorities are reportedly also concerned about Siddiq’s true identity and his purpose in Jamaica.

Another source of concern is his travel pattern. His travel documents, which were seized by investigators, indicate that Siddiq, who is a US citizen, has traveled to Afghanistan, South Africa and Dubai in recent months.

When questioned in the presence of an attorney he told the police that he came Jamaica to purchase cellular phones.

It is reported that the US Government is trying to determine whether Siddiq is connected to a terrorist organisation.