Attorney explains POCA cash seizure powers for travellers in Jamaica

Attorney Dionne Mealla is standing by her explanation of Jamaica’s cash seizure laws after the Jamaica Customs Agency said it has never taken J$100,000 from any traveller at the country’s ports of entry. Mealla told TVJ News that her viral video, showing the return of money seized from her client, was meant to inform the public rather than cause panic.

Under the Customs Act, travellers must tell Customs when they are carrying US$10,000, or the equivalent in another currency or monetary instrument. Mealla said her client, described as a Bohemian national who was vacationing in Jamaica in June 2025, did not declare the cash because it was below that amount. His money was still taken, she said.

“All he was told is we are seizing your money under the Proceeds of Crime Act, and they gave him a receipt which says seizure of cash,” Mealla said.

The attorney pointed to section 75 of the Proceeds of Crime Act, which allows an authorised officer, including a constable or customs officer, to seize cash above J$100,000 if there is reasonable suspicion that it came from criminal conduct or may be used for unlawful activity.

Mealla said that power is separate from the declaration question on the C5 form. She said travellers carrying less than US$10,000 may still be asked how much money they have, and officers may act if they become suspicious about the cash or the person carrying it.

Following legal representation, the Ministry of Finance returned the man’s money with interest. Mealla said she received it on June 2, 2026, at the ministry, which was why she recorded the video while holding the cheque outside.

Mealla, who said she has practised law for more than 20 years, said she has represented other clients who could not recover seized money even after producing evidence. She said the J$100,000 figure, introduced in the 2007 legislation, could be reviewed, but the decision to seize money still depends on an authorised officer’s reasonable suspicion.