(Jamaica Observer) An investigation has started into the disappearance of almost 42 pounds of gold (scrap jewellery) from the Half-Way-Tree Police Station where it was being kept as evidence in relation to a pending trial in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court.
The J$27-million worth of gold — which was confiscated last February from businessman Philipe Hadid, who was attempting to export the precious metal to the United States — was found to be missing last Friday when the matter came up for mention in court.
The judge had sent for the exhibit but it could not be found. As a result of this, the judge sent for the station diaries but there was no entry of the exhibit at the station. Checks made to other station diaries also turned up empty.
Detectives from the constabulary’s Anti-Corruption Branch are investigating, while Derrick Knight, the senior superintendent for the St Andrew Central Police Division, has also asked for a report.
Hadid, a Haitian-born Jamaican citizen, was held at the Norman Manley International Airport with the jewellery on February 11 of last year while attempting to board an American Airlines flight to Miami with six plastic bags of ‘scrap’ jewellery in his knapsack and a suitcase.
Police alleged that he was unable to account for the jewellery and he was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of larceny, dealing in second-hand jewellery, unlawful possession of property and breaching the Customs Act.
Hadid is currently on a J$5-million bail bond and is scheduled to be tried on May 19.
