Sohail Muhammad Siddiq, the 41-year-old Pakistani businessman accused of failing to declare €314,000 (approximately J$36 million), is contending he was pulled from the line at the Norman Manley International Airport before he got an opportunity to do so.

Siddiq, who is also an American citizen, had arrived in the island on September 4.

He is charged with breaches of the Customs Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act. He is contending that he came to Jamaica to purchase cellphones and computers.

Remanded until sept 27

Siddiq appeared yesterday in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

Senior Resident Magistrate Georgianna Fraser remanded him until September 27 when his lawyer, Peter Champagnie, will make a bail application.

Hansurd Lawson, clerk of the court, told the court that the accused was being investigated to see if he had any link with terrorist groups.

After Siddiq was arrested, he faced a three-day question-and-answer session before he was charged on Wednesday.

Siddiq is claiming he came to the island some time ago and did research to ascertain if it would be profitable for him to purchase the goods here. The accused, who lives in Pakistan, had arrived in the island this month on a flight from Panama, on a trip originating from Dubai.

The Crown is alleging that during routine security checks, the money was found in Siddiq's luggage. He was asked to account for the money and he allegedly told the police that it was to be used to purchase cellphones.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com