Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterHEAD OF the Financial Investigation Division (FID), Mike Surridge, has expressed concern at the large number of high-powered motorcycles, that are stolen in the United States and smuggled into Jamaica.
"They are coming here in pieces, packed in barrels," Mr. Surridge told The Sunday Gleaner on Wednesday.
Explaining the methods used to smuggle in these expensive, multi-coloured bikes, Mr. Surridge stressed that they are either stolen, rented or taken out on hire purchase contract in the United States. They are then dismantled, packed into barrels and smuggled into Jamaica.
Following their arrival in Jamaica, a report is later filed to the relevant authorities in the United States that the motorcycle has been stolen. The person who filed the report is normally compensated for the loss.
A spokesperson at the FID said that on three occasions, a member of the medical fraternity requested the assistance of the department to verify the legality of at least three bikes he wanted to purchase. But on all three occasions the records available revealed that the bikes had been stolen in the United States.
"On the fourth occasion the person did not bother to seek our assistance, he went straight ahead and purchased a bike. The next thing was that the bike was seized by the police, because it was reported stolen," the FID spokesperson said.
CHECK VALIDITY
In response to that incident, Mr. Surridge has extended an open invitation to persons desirous of purchasing bikes to contact the department and allow them to probe the legality of the bikes.
A source at Jamaica Customs said the bikes which ranged between 700-1000cc cost over US$8,000 (about $480,000) and attract a 40 per cent duty when they arrive at the ports of entry. To clear a 700cc motorcycle through Customs can cost up to $250,000.
Individuals who import these motorcycles legally, will have to be granted a special permit before they can clear Customs.
NO INSURANCE COVERAGE
According to Mr. Surridge, hundreds of these powerful motor cycles are being smuggled into the country and sold to unsuspecting individuals. Mr. Surridge also raised concern about the lack of insurance on these bikes.
"Majority of these motorcycles are not properly insured or licensed, so when they are involved in any crime or accident, they cannot be easily traced to an individual, because there are no proper records at the tax office," said Mr. Surridge.
James Forbes, the vice-president in charge of security at the Port Authority of Jamaica, said with the installation of two X-ray machines on the wharves, contraband should now be easily detected.
"We have two of these machines, one to X-ray containers and the other to X-ray barrels, both are operational right now," said Mr. Forbes.
