A Venezuelan has created history in Saint Lucia by becoming the very first person to be convicted for money laundering after a large quantity of cash of different currencies was discovered in his hotel room and within his bowels.
Reglio Jesus Patino Reyes who was formally charged last December for the offence was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment last week.
Police conducted an operation at a hotel in the north of the island where Reyies was staying on /December 4.
According to police during the operation, a search conducted in Reyes room revealed a quantity of cash in various currencies totalling US$7,610.00, EURO €17,950.00, Bolivars VEF 4,020.00 , six dollars in Chinese currency (CNY 6) and EC$5.00.
But that was not all. Police took Reyes to Victoria Hospital where he was given a laxative resulting in him passing out 31 rolls of cash equivalent to EURO €14,000.00.
Reyes was charged on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 with the offence of money laundering.