Pakistani businessman fined, ordered deported

Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

Forty-one year old Pakistani businessman Sohail Muhammad Siddiq was today fined $10,000 for breaching the Customs Act and failing to declare over €300,000 when he arrived in Jamaica last month.

Siddiq who had pleaded guilty to the charges was also ordered deported.

Siddiq, who is also an American citizen, arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport on September 4.

The prosecution alleged that the accused, who resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, arrived on a flight from Panama with €313, 500 and US$700 in his luggage.

When asked to account for the cash Siddiq told the police that the money was to be used to buy cell phones in the island.

He was taken into custody and later charged with breaches of the Customs Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Siddiq was represented by attorneys-at-law Peter Champagnie and Ramona Nelson.

editorial@gelanerjm.com