A joint investigation followed between Customs officers and officers of the RVIPF Special Investigations Unit which resulted in the arrest of Antonio Joseph Caines, 34, of Duffs Bottom and Osrick DaSilva, 37, a native of St. Vincent, residing in Belmont, who is crew member of the Elitta 1. An additional $1,594 was found in DaSilva’s possession. Photo: VINO/file

On Friday, in an operation initiated by Customs, officers boarded and searched the cargo vessel Elitta 1 docked at Port Purcell. An envelope containing $90,000 and a paper bag containing $8,700 was found in one of the cabins.

A joint investigation followed between Customs officers and officers of the RVIPF Special Investigations Unit which resulted in the arrest of Antonio Joseph Caines, 34, of Duffs Bottom and Osrick DaSilva, 37, a native of St. Vincent, residing in Belmont, who is crew member of the Elitta 1. An additional $1,594 was found in DaSilva’s possession.

The following day, both were charged with failure to declare monies to customs which is contrary to section 87 (4) of the Customs Management and Duties Act 2010.

The men are to appear before the Magistrate’s Court today.