A high-profile currency seizure at one of Trinidad and Tobago’s busiest international airports has drawn the involvement of multiple regional and U.S. law enforcement agencies, after local customs officials intercepted $2 million in U.S. currency bound for Miami. In an exclusive statement to local outlet the Express, NCB Merchant Bank (Trinidad and Tobago) Ltd. has formally claimed ownership of the seized funds, maintaining the transaction was a routine, fully compliant part of its regular commercial operations.\n\nThe interception unfolded on June 25 at Piarco International Airport, where customs and excise inspectors flagged the cash, stowed inside a plain white crocus bag, during pre-shipment checks. The currency was scheduled to be routed to Miami via a stopover in Jamaica, but regulators raised concerns about gaps in the accompanying shipping documentation. Following the interception, the funds were transferred to the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago for secure holding while official investigations proceed. As of the latest reporting, the cash remains in the central bank’s custody, with no clearance for shipment granted yet.\n\nIn an email response to the Express’ questions Thursday evening, NCB Merchant Bank chief executive Marli A. Creese laid out the bank’s official position on the incident. “The cash referred to belongs solely to the bank,” Creese confirmed, emphasizing that the courier shipment followed all standard internal protocols and aligned with every applicable domestic and international law. “All usual and required protocols were adhered to,” he added, addressing questions about whether the bank had followed its own internal compliance procedures for large currency shipments.\n\nCreese also confirmed that the bank has been in direct contact with investigating authorities and is committed to full cooperation throughout the probe. The Customs and Excise Division reached out to the bank requesting additional verification and supporting documentation related to the shipment, he said, and the institution has already fulfilled all information requests. Addressing early reports that customs identified major documentation deficiencies, Creese clarified that the situation only amounted to a routine request for supplementary information, which the bank has already resolved.\n\nTrinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo confirmed Thursday that the investigation is ongoing, with multiple security and financial regulatory agencies working in parallel to resolve the case. “This matter is now engaging the attention of several relevant security and financial agencies. Obviously, it would be inappropriate to comment at this time. Suffice it to say that a thorough investigation is being pursued involving all parties to this transaction,” Tancoo told the Express. Multiple sources also confirm that U.S. law enforcement and financial authorities are assisting with the probe, a standard step for large currency shipments bound for the U.S.\n\nThe Express submitted additional follow-up questions to both NCB Merchant Bank and Central Bank Governor Larry Howai on Thursday, but neither party issued an immediate additional comment. Investigations are expected to continue in the coming days as authorities work to confirm all regulatory requirements for the large currency export were met, before a final decision on releasing the funds is made.