HE findings of a probe into the theft of 500 truckloads of sand from a prime 64-acre property at Coral Spring near Duncans in Trelawny have been sent to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Observer has learnt.

The report was said to have been delivered to the office of Daryl Vaz, the minister without portfolio in the OPM, who had been given the responsibility to ensure that the issue was investigated.

Vaz is expected to return to work this morning after a short vacation and is likely to present the report to Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

Last month, the Observer reported that the theft of the sand had placed in jeopardy a proposed $8-billion beachfront development by Felicitas Limited, a consortium of investors comprising 15 of Jamaica's most successful entrepreneurs who shared a common dream of developing 36 six-star, luxury villas with spa, restaurant, amphitheatre and marina in phase one.

The development was expected to serve as a catalyst for undeveloped Trelawny.

Yesterday, a source close to the investors admitted that the group was still fuming over the theft, as well as the contempt with which they have been treated by persons whom, it is said, the investigation indicated had bought the sand.

"One of the investors called them to discuss the issue and they hung up the phone on him," said the source who opted not to be named.

The source also said that the Felicitas group was less than pleased with the pace of the investigation.