00:00Police sources say the issue came to light in late February after officers realized that two blocks of marijuana were
00:06missing from the station's property room.
00:08The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service wishes to advise the public about the arrest of a police officer in connection
00:16with the alleged substitution of seized narcotics at the Chaguanas police station.
00:22This matter is under active investigation and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service assures the national community that it is
00:32being handled with the full weight of our internal and criminal investigative mechanisms.
00:39Investigators believe the narcotics had been checked and weighed when they were brought to the station on February 25th.
00:45However, the following day officers discovered that two blocks of marijuana were missing from storage.
00:50The suspected substitution triggered an internal probe with officers who had been on duty during the relevant period, questioned by
00:58investigators from the Professional Standards Bureau.
01:02Martin said the incident follows a similar case detected last year involving missing drugs at the Barataria police station.
01:08In that matter, marijuana seized during a raid at the McCoy Industrial Estate and valued at more than $1 million
01:16was later found to have been partially substituted with other objects during an inventory check.
01:22These outcomes demonstrate a consistent and uncompromising reality that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is fully prepared, capable and
01:36committed to investigating and treating with any allegation of officer misconduct without hesitation or exception.
01:46Martin said that while the vast majority of police officers serve with professionalism and integrity, the organization maintains a zero
01:56-tolerance stance on misconduct within its ranks.
01:59The vast majority of officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service serve with integrity, professionalism and dedication to public
02:12safety.
02:13However, for the minority who choose to betray the uniform and the trust of the people of Trinidad and Tobago,
02:22the consequences will be decisive.
02:25During the briefing, Martin also read a statement from Commissioner of Police Alistair Guevaro, warning that officers who attempted to
02:34use the organization as cover for criminal activity will face serious consequences.
02:41Commissioner of Police Alistair Guevaro issued the following warning.
03:09Police are continuing investigations into the matter and are urging the public to report,
03:16any suspicious activity as the service moves to maintain accountability and public trust.
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