PORT OF SPAIN, CMC -The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) says it has become aware of a video circulating on social media showing two men exiting a marked police vehicle near a bar and later brandishing objects resembling firearms, then walking across the roadway heading in a southerly direction into Siparia, south of Port of Spain.
The TTPS said that the video was also aired on a television programme on Monday this week and has “understandably caused great public concern”.
It added that it “takes this incident very seriously” and that “an immediate and comprehensive investigation” has been launched into the matter.
“Officers searched the men, objects were found on their person, they were cautioned and conveyed to the Criminal Investigation Department, Siparia to continue enquiries.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were dropped off earlier by a marked police vehicle, attached to the Criminal Records Office in Siparia. When questioned, the suspects confirmed that they got a lift to Siparia from a police officer the TTPS said in a statement.
It said immediately upon confirmation of this development, a further investigation was conducted involving the officer who transported the two suspects.
The police said that following the incident, Avinash Vinton Allahar, 24, was charged with possession of a firearm on June 28, he appeared at the Siparia Magistrates’ Court and was fined TT$8,000 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents), with three months allowed for payment. In default, he faces 18 months of hard labour.
However, the 18-year-old, who was found in possession of an imitation firearm, was released following a review of the case by senior officers.
The TTPS said it “takes all matters that may erode the public’s trust and confidence in our organization very seriously and we remain committed to transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, the police say they have seized a K-47 rifle, a quantity of ammunition and several items of clothing with police insignia during an anti-crime exercise conducted in the North Eastern Divisio.
Officers from the Morvant Criminal Investigations proceeded to Morvant, along the east west corridor, based on information received of illegal items being stored in a vehicle.
“Upon arrival, the officers observed a Gold Honda Accord motorcar parked in a yard. Checks to the vehicle revealed, two police operational jackets, one operational pant, one black boot, three black hats, one police issued bulletproof vest, strobe lights, a pair of registration plates, a rifle and three magazines containing 90 rounds of 7.62 ammunition in the trunk”.
No one has been arrested in relation to the discovery.
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