(Trinidad Express) Com-missioner of Police, Gary Griffith, has welcomed the decision of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to bring in British and Barbados police officers to assist in the investigations into the seizure and subsequent disappearance of $22 million in cash which had been found in a house at Kathleen Warner Drive, La Horquetta, on September 22.
Griffith said these foreign officers would not be consultants, but would be sworn in as Special Reserve Police Officers and would have the powers of the officers of the TTPS to assist in this investigation.
Rowley, as chairman of the National Security Council, said on Thurs-day that he had contacted the British and Barbados Governments seeking advice on how the matter should be handled. The Prime Minister is awaiting the arrival of the foreign investigators.
In response to this decision, the top cop said sourcing of foreign officers will be instrumental to assist the TTPS in this investigation which involves senior officers as well as members of the Defence Force.
Griffith noted that on several occasions, there were reports that police officers were interfering and preventing the matter from being thoroughly investigated. He pointed out that four officers were suspended and 11 others transferred, and there is the possibility that other officers could be suspended as the investigation progresses.
“This matter has gone very deep and if we can get that international assistance, because I have Trojan horses, and it goes very high up. So if this is an avenue that can assist me in bringing possible perpetrators to justice, especially those in uniform, I welcome that decision.”
He said having external investigators could ensure a strong degree of transparency.
Griffith stated that he had selected a special team of police officers whom he can trust to work alongside the international investigators to deal with any possible rogue elements in the TTPS, and also to pinpoint persons outside the police service who may be committing serious criminal activity by this system which is being used – the DSS.
A police-led operation at the La Horquetta home resulted in the seizure of $22 million in cash. The money was taken from the house to the La Horquetta Police Station to be counted. During the early hours of the following day the money was handed back to a man who has been described as the founder of the DSS – commonly referred to as “Drugs Sou Sou.”
Meanwhile, a press release from the Ministry of National Security confirmed the imminent arrival of two senior police officers from Barbados as well as the fact that contact has been made with the British Government.
The release stated that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, being concerned about the national security implications of the recent seizure and subsequent release of millions of dollars in cash and associated matters surrounding the Drug Sou Sou Scheme (DSS), has sought international expert assistance for the on-going investigations.
According to the release, National Security Minister, Stuart Young, stated that the Government of Barbados has written him confirming that two senior and experienced members of the Royal Barbados Police Force will be coming to Trinidad and Tobago early next week to assist in the investigations surrounding the DSS scheme.
Young also stated that he has been in contact with the National Crime Agency in Great Britain (NCA) and has requested the NCA’s assistance with respect to the investigation into the DSS scheme.
The Government is currently awaiting the NCA’s proposal in response to its request.
These investigators, will join the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) on their arrival in this country.
