Statement from SM Jaleel
SM Jaleel Limited says they commenced an investigation into US seizure of 732 lbs of cocaine found in cans of Trinidad Juice in a container at a port in Norfolk, Virginia.
Here is an Official Statement issued by the company VIA their website: SM Jaleel is a family owned and operated business that began its operations in Trinidad approximately 90 years ago. We have consistently maintained our family values throughout the development of the business to include, in more recent times, the global expansion of our operations through the exportation of our trusted products to various countries and communities around the world.
We have always taken pride in the high level of quality and standards that we have adhered to for our products and have and will always continue to comply with the various legislations both locally and internationally relating to the production and exportation of our products.
It has become common knowledge that the criminals involved in drug trafficking have been using mechanisms to transport cocaine, inclusive of items such as fruit, car parts, lumber, hardware and various others. It now appears that someone may be trying to utilize our company’s product in this regard.
We too have only just been recently informed of the situation that occurred almost a month ago on December 20, 2013, regarding the use of our TJC orange and grapefruit flavoured juice tins in the smuggling of cocaine in to the United States and have, to date, not been contacted by the relevant US authorities in connection with this matter.
At present we have no knowledge or evidence of the details other than the press release from the United States. We have already commenced our own internal investigation; however, we are not yet in a position to provide any further details at this time.
