The two home-made shotguns found in the kitchen of the St Joseph Police Station on Wednesday have been described as being ’useless and of no danger’.
Sources said yesterday that several officers once attached to the station knew about the existence of the home-made shotguns and, in most cases, the weapons were used as a ’prop’ to support the stove.
’The condition of the guns are in a deplorable condition and are of no use,’ a source said.
On Wednesday night, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Gilbert Reyes, and other officers searched the station after receiving information that illegal arms and ammunition were once again being housed there.
Six boxes of 7.62 ammunition, still in the original boxing, along with 9 mm ammunition and other rounds, were found stashed in a locker which was last occupied by a sergeant two years ago. These items have since been taken to be tested.
Sources say the origin of the shotguns will be difficult to ascertain, since ’real officers touched the guns in an attempt to steady the stove’. The guns were found concealed behind the stove.
On August 8, six firearms, inclusive of two home-made shotguns, and a quantity of ammunition, drugs and other illegal items were found stashed in the station’s ceiling.
Following the find, 38 officers were transferred to various stations within the Eastern Division. At a media briefing held shortly after that incident, acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert said all officers will have to undergo a series of DNA and fingerprint testing.
So far, several officers have submitted themselves to do the testing, which is being conducted at an office in Maraval.
Speaking with the Express from Miami, USA, on the latest series of incidents involving police officers, Police Service Commission member Pastor Clive Dottin said: ’I feel this is a catastrophic situation that has serious implications on our national security and will lead to further deterioration of public trust in our institution.
’It is extremely regrettable and action should be taken as quickly as is legally possible.’
