(CMR) The brother of Jamaican politician Mikael Phillips was arrested in a US$600,000 drug bust at the Norman Manley International Airport on Monday. However, Phillips, vice president of the People's National Party has distanced himself from the arrest of his elder brother.
Reports are that approximately 12 kilogrammes of cocaine with an estimated street value of over US$600,000 (about J$92 million) was seized during security checks after anomalies were detected in a blue suitcase destined for the United States.
The man, who has not yet been named, managed to slip away while waiting to be escorted to have his luggage checked. He managed to leave the airport but was later arrested by police.
In a statement on Wednesday, Phillips said: “I have been informed that a person arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport on Monday in connection with breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act is my elder brother, of the half-blood and who 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. I am not the subject of any investigation and have no reason to be involved with it,” Phillips added.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid