UPDATE: Brother of Jamaican MP arrested in drug seizure at airport

Mikael Phillips, a member of Jamaica’s Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), has confirmed that his brother was arrested in connection with Monday’s drug seizure at the Norman Manley International Airport.

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In a statement on Wednesday, Mikael Phillips said he is not connected to the incident, stating that he is not the subject of any investigation, and has no reason to be involved with it.

He said the man is his elder brother, “of the half-blood” and has not resided in Jamaica for over 30 years.

“We are both sons of the late Mrs. Minion Phillips and have never resided together as brothers… I am aware of social postings which have resulted in me being called by friends concerning the matter and hence I have decided to make a public statement setting out all the information I have concerning it. The issue is unrelated to me and therefore I am, and remain unconnected to it,” the MP said.

Reports are that anomalies were discovered in luggage headed for the United States of America during security checks at about 7:00 a.m. on Monday.  A search was conducted, and the cocaine was found. The police say the drug has an estimated street value of US$600,000.

It’s reported that 56-year-old Robert Constantine Chin fled the airport when the drug was detected in his luggage. He was later caught during a police operation in the Kingston 6 area.

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Chin who was arrested for reasonable suspicion of breaches of the Dangerous Drug Act, was charged Tuesday by narcotics detectives. He was remanded when he appeared in the St. Andrew Parish Court on Wednesday and is to return to court on Friday.

His attorneys are expected to apply for bail after informing the court that their client needs daily dialysis treatment.

 

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