Disgusted over their recent transfer from the St Joseph Police Station, several police officers are now weighing their options of either tendering sick leave certificates or taking vacation.
The officers are among the 40 police officers transferred from the St Joseph station following Saturday’s find of drugs, a cache of seven guns and a large quantity of ammunition in the ceiling of the St Joseph Police Station.
Following the seizure, acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert ordered a full scale investigation be launched and mandated ASP John Martinez to carry out enquiries.
The illegal items were found in an office used by several police officers. One of the affected officer, a police sergeant, proceeded on two weeks vacation leave yesterday.
Other officers who were transferred have voiced their intention to do likewise or proceed on sick leave since they claim they are innocent of any wrongdoing.
Since the find became public there have been statements by the Chamber of Commerce and other organisations calling on Philbert to launch a full scale investigation and remove the rogue elements from the Police Service.
Philbert is expected to address the media today on the status of investigations into the matter.
All items confiscated have been taken for forensic testing for fingerprints or if there are clues as to the person (s) responsible for the concealment of the items.
In a media release issued yesterday the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce noted the drugs, arms and ammunition found at the St Joseph Station ’as extremely frightening and a severe blow to the already strained level of public confidence in the Service.’
Chamber president Peter Kanhai said: ’It is even more alarming given the out of control crime situation gripping the nation from murders to criminal negligence on the roads, particularly when the area of St Joseph to Arouca is reeling under a heightened level of criminal activity in recent weeks.’
Kanhai said the Chamber is therefore calling on Philbert ’to act swiftly and rid the station and the service of all corrupt and undesirable officers by enforcing the full extent of the law.’
