THE Financial Investigations Branch (FIB) of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) obtains a court order to forfeit close to $100,000 from a suspected drug dealer who was killed last year.
The order was granted on Thursday by Chief Magistrate Maria Busby-Earle-Caddle at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court.
Jason Sankar, 20, was killed in an ambush while playing a card game in South Oropouche on November 3, 2020. He died at the San Fernando General Hospital from gunshot wounds. Police told AZPNews.com, he was involved in the illicit drug trade and had two addresses one in El Socorro and another in La Romaine.
According to a release from the TTPS on Friday, a cash forfeiture investigation commenced on September 13, 2018, after $99,900 was seized from Sankar by the Financial Investigation Branch.
The cash was seized pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act Chapter 11:27, the release stated.
It noted that on September 14, 2018, a Cash Detention Order was granted by Chief Magistrate Busby Earl-Caddle at the Port-of-Spain 8th Magistrate’s Court for a period of three months.
The TTPS stated that the order was granted to allow continuing investigations into the legitimacy of the source of the funds or its intended use.
On September, 17 2018 the $99,900 was deposited into the Treasury by virtue of Section 38 (5) of the Proceeds of Crime Act, the release stated.
It stated that Police Constable James, of the FIB, conducted enquires, interviewed persons, made requests to several State agencies, received responses and submitted a file with his findings and recommendations.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) was engaged and advice sought.
On August, 7, 2019 an application for forfeiture of the seized cash was laid at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court.
Sankar was killed after this.
On January 14, 2021 the forfeiture application was heard by Chief Magistrate Busby Earl-Caddle via virtual hearing of the Port-of-Spain 8th Magistrate’s Court.
The State was represented by State Attorney Kadisha Sinanan of the Office of the DPP.
During the hearing attorney Christon Williams, who represented the interest of Sankar, withdrew his services.
The Chief Magistrate ordered the forfeiture of the $99,900 in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act.
