Seven police officers attached to the Northern Division task force will appear before an Arima Magistrate on Tuesday 14th November, 2023 to answer to a charge of Misbehaviour in Public Office.
It is alleged , that on Thursday 2nd, November, 2023, seven officers of the Northern Division Task Force, went to the home of a couple at Five Rivers Arouca, for the purpose of executing a search warrant for firearms, ammunition and narcotics.
During the search, it is alleged that the officers found a quantity of marijuana, camouflage clothing and also a quantity of ammunition. Both home owners were arrested and conveyed to the Arouca station.
Whilst at the station, the male occupant of the home was allegedly approached by one of the officers who solicited the sum of $30,000.00 and five pounds of marijuana to forego charges being laid against he and his wife. He was allowed to leave station with instructions as to where the marijuana should be taken and for him to return to the station with the cash.
He complied with the instructions and returned to the station with the cash which he handed over.
He and his wife was then allowed to leave the station without any charges being laid against them.
A report was subsequently made to the Professional Standards Bureau and an investigation was immediately launched by a team of investigators under the supervision of Snr. Supt. Suzette Martin and included Supt Montrichard, Insp Narine,W/Insp Guy, Sgt. Pierre, Sgt Hosein and Cpl Joefield.
Upon completion, advice was sought from the Director of Public Prosecution Mr Roger Gaspard who later advised that the officers be charged for the offence of Misbehaviour in Public Office.
On Tuesday 7th November, 2023, the officers were arrested and later charged for the offence by Corporal Lawrence Joefield of the Professional Standards Bureau.
They appeared before Justice of the Peace Stephen Young where they were each granted bail in the sum of $150,000.00 to appear before an Arima Magistrate on Tuesday 14th November, 2023.