CoP orders investigation into arrest of Brent Thomas

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CoP orders investigation into arrest of Brent Thomas

The Commissioner of Police has noted with concern the judgment dated 25th April, 2023 of Justice Devindra Rampersad, and has ordered an investigation based on the issues raised.

In a brief statement, Commissioner Harewood-Christopher said she has been duly informed that steps are being taken to appeal the judgement, and as such is constrained in giving any further information on the matter at this time.

The Court heard that on October 5, Thomas, 61, owner of Specialist Shooters Training Centre Ltd, was arrested by heavily armed Barbados police at his hotel room.

Thomas was briefly detained before being transported to the Grantley Adams International Airport, where he was handed over to TTPS officers.

Thomas was returned to this country via a Regional Security System (RSS) aircraft and was charged by police with seven firearm offences under corresponding arrest warrants.

But in his ruling last Tuesday on a constitutional matter brought against the State by Thomas, Justice Rampersad said that Thomas was “unlawfully abducted” in Barbados. He suggested that the manner of Thomas’ detention showed a clear attempt to bypass the lawful procedure of requesting his extradition.