GOVERNMENT has been converting military helicopters acquired to stop drug traffickers into luxurious pleasure aircraft, Opposition MP Colm Imbert has said.

"So when you look at these military helicopters supposed to go to an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), supposed to work in a hostile environment, intercepting drug traffickers on the high seas...(instead) these military helicopters are now being converted into the most luxurious aircraft you can think of," he said.

He made the comment on Friday while contributing to an Opposition motion in the Lower House, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain, that Government must cease its "systematic dismantling" of the national security systems and structures and implement an effective national security system that could secure this country's borders to reduce crime.

Imbert said that the OPVs, which were cancelled by the current administration, were to be used as part of a regional drug interdiction effort and would work in tandem with short range helicopters to catch fast moving vessels.

Two of the four AgustaWestland helicopters valued at US$348 million (TT$2.1billion) ordered by the former PNM government arrived in the country in May last year, with the other two expected to be delivered this year.

The state-of-the-art AW139 helicopters are designed to accomplish demanding operations in the harshest weather and environmental conditions and each helicopter can seat up to 15 passengers.

According to the AgustaWestland website the craft has a variety of interiors including "executive", "VIP", "EMS" (Emergency Medical Services)" and "Law enforcement".

The contract documents stated that, instead of the OPVS, the four helicopters will be for the use of the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard, a dedicated unit involved in search and rescue, surface surveillance, law enforcement, drug interdiction and disaster relief.

Imbert on Friday said: "These military helicopters were designed to transport troops, designed to transport specialised units dealing with the prevention and interception of crime, but I've seen a photograph of one of these helicopters, reconfigured, refashioned, re-engineered, plush leather seats, table, I think there is even a machine dispensing refreshments."

"Ice dispenser," Leader of Government Business Roodal Moonilal chimed in.

"I see you've flown in it," Imbert retorted.

He described the interior of the helicopter as "Porsche-like" and converted for "pleasure", and some on the government bench laughed at the second comment.

"That don't mean any other connotation. You all have dirty minds," Imbert joked.

He said that National Security Minister Brig John Sandy had presented no strategy for the effective protection of the country's borders, a major transhipment point for drugs.

He criticised reported plans for "shore-based technology" as bad advice from "national insecurity adviser" Gary Griffith, saying that this system will not be able to catch vessels on the high seas.

Imbert stressed that the way to stop or reduce crime significantly was to stop the inflow of drugs, which was accompanied by guns, as protection or incentive, that would remain in the country.

"What has Government put in place to build capacity to intercept drug shipments on the seas?" he questioned.

In June last year during the commissioning of the two helicopters Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that funds from the scrapped OPV deal would be used to fund her Government's new Naval Operational Plan which will effectively tackle suspicious vessels entering T&T's waters with illegal immigrants, drugs, guns, ammo and other forms of contraband.

Commander of the Air Guard, Tyrone Rudolpho, told the Sunday Express by phone yesterday that he did not hear the statement and it was not in his place to comment on a statement in Parliament, and directed questions to the National Security Minister.