More details are emerging surrounding a major Revenue Protection Division (RPD) probe which resulted in Saturday’s seizure of 12-multi-million dollar vehicles, all deemed to be uncustomed.
The RPD confirmed that the combined value of the seizure is estimated to be in excess of Eighty Million Dollars. The vehicles include a Mercedes Benz, Range Rovers, and Land Cruisers.
A source told RJR News that one of the vehicle seized is owned by St.Andrew businessman Marcus McKenzie.
He is the adult son of West Kingston Member of Parliament Desmond McKenzie.
Well known entertainer Siccatoure Alcock popular known as “Jah Cure” and 2005 Digicel Rising Star winner, Christopher Martin, also had their vehicles seized during the operation which included operatives of the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Task Force.
It’s understood that the younger McKenzie has been co-operating with RPD and MOCA Investigators, and has provided them with the necessary paperwork. Mr. McKenzie has maintained that the vehicle was legitimately imported.
In the meantime RJR News understands that a Corporate area motor vehicle importer could provide investigators with valuable information of a portion of the imported vehicles.
It’s unclear whether investigators have located the motor vehicle importer. Saturday’s operation covered Kingston,St.Andrew, St.Catherine, St. Elizabeth and St.Ann, and followed months of intensive investigations.
The RPD says investigations indicate that these vehicles were imported into the Island contrary to the Customs Act between 2010 and 2013. Under the Act, the vehicles deemed uncustomed are likely to be subject to forfeiture proceedings.