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.
The police said that preliminary inquiries have revealed that on June 27, this year, officers attached to the Siparia Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on information, responded to reports of two armed men along a street in Siparia.
They said the officers quickly proceeded to the area and apprehended two suspects, ages 18 and 24 years.
“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.
“Other persons were also interviewed and the officer provided a detailed report of the incident. Investigations have revealed that the officer was not involved in any collusion or criminal activity, and his actions were indeed in good faith, assisting what appeared to be stranded individuals.”
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.
“The TTPS assures the public that we will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and will take swift action against any form of misconduct or abuse of authority,” adding “we encourage anyone with any further information related to this incident to come forward and cooperate with the investigation”.
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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