An investigation has been launched by Trinidad and Tobago authorities into the seizure of a white crocus bag containing US$2 million in cash at the South Terminal of the Piarco International Airport on June 25, 2026.
The Express understands that United States law enforcement authorities have also been called in to assist with the probe.
The money originated from NCB Merchant Bank (Trinidad and Tobago) Ltd and was scheduled to be transported by aircraft to Miami, with a stopover in Jamaica.
However, it was seized following an inspection by Customs and Excise officials, who red-flagged the transaction, citing “certain transactional and accountability deficiencies”.
NCB Merchant Bank (T&T) Ltd ‘s chief executive officer Marli Creese on Thursday night confirmed that the US$2 million seized by Customs and Excise officials belongs to the bank.
The bank also stated that the cash was being transported in the ordinary course of business and that the shipment complied with all applicable laws, regulations and industry protocols.
The Express obtained a report dated June 29, 2026, from Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago deputy general manager Dale Raymond to chairman Aaron Henry detailing what transpired.
According to Raymond, the head of the Customs and Excise Division provided “certain information” on June 25, which led to a team of Customs and Excise officials, along with the deputy general manager of the Security Division, proceeding to the South Terminal of the Piarco International Airport.
The team was informed by the head of the Customs and Excise Division about the impending arrival of a quantity of cash scheduled to be flown out of the country on ATLAS AIR CARGO Flight No BW790, Tail Registration N663GT, destined for Miami with a stopover in Jamaica.
A team of officers from the Customs and Excise Division’s Preventative Branch was present on the airside, the report stated.
It added that at around 6.30 p.m., a G4S security vehicle was observed approaching the parked aircraft and was stopped by Customs officers.
The drivers identified themselves as two corporals.
“During an interview they indicated that they were transporting a quantity of $US currency in the amount of two million dollars. An inspection of the said van was conducted by the Customs Preventative Team, and a white crocus bag was discovered,” stated the report.
It added: “On inspection of the accompanying documents the bag originated from NCB Merchant Bank . The shipper of the item was SWISSPORT. The van was escorted to the SWISSPORT Bond, and the crocus bag was X-rayed, and cash was seen properly stacked in several piles. From initial inspection of the documents, certain transactional and accountability deficiencies were identified, which suggests that all protocols were not adequately adhered to.”
The report stated that the bag, along with its entire contents, was secured by Customs in the bond and placed under the guard of the Airports Authority Police Department (AAPD) officers and Customs officials.
“The sum of money was reportedly verified by Customs officials and totalled to be US$2 million. Customs retained possession of the currency, and the matter is still currently under investigation by Members of the Customs and Excise Department for propriety,” the report added.
The US$2 million has since been taken to the Central Bank, where it is being held.
A Central Bank official indicated that an investigation has commenced and that a meeting was held yesterday with Customs officials.
The official noted that authorised dealers are permitted to ship cash under their licences and pointed out that there are arrangements whereby banks can ship mutilated notes to overseas banks and receive payment via wire transfer.
The official further noted that the Central Bank and other banks also import US currency from Bank of America to replenish local stocks of US cash.
However, it was pointed out that this incident is entirely different and requires much more information and explanations from the bank in question.