…concerning Kaieteur News reports on senior management meeting
THE police have issued a statement following articles in the Kaieteur News concerning matters discussed at a senior management meeting of the Force.
The Force now feels compelled to update the public on investigations launched, the statement said. Following is the police statement:
The Force wishes to state that investigations into these matters were handed over to the Assistant Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’. Assistant Commissioner S. Merai had been asked to provide any evidence he has against the officers and other ranks concerned, and their associates, but has not yet done so.

However, based on the allegations made and investigations carried out, it was confirmed that a senior officer had borrowed a car from a businessman about two weeks prior to the allegation. The officer in question publicly stated that his motor car had developed mechanical problems and he had borrowed a BMW motor car from the businessman whose family he knew well, and that he has no knowledge that the businessman is or was a drug dealer. He has since returned the vehicle to the businessman concerned. The claims of Assistant Commissioner S. Merai in relation to the associates of the senior officer are being investigated.

The junior officer who it was alleged was driving a Fortuna motor vehicle owned by a female whom Merai claimed to be a drug dealer, was contacted, and he publicly stated that his vehicle was down and he had indeed borrowed the vehicle from a female with whom he had an intimate relationship. He also publicly said that he neither is nor was aware that his female companion was a drug dealer. He has been transferred from the Office of the Commissioner and has since tendered his resignation. Investigations into his associates are continuing.

Assistant Commissioner S. Merai had also alleged that three ranks attached to the Tactical Services Unit were providing protection to drug blocks and that they owned several cars. One of the ranks, a corporal, was contacted and is at CID HQ. He produced documents that his wife works at a local commercial bank and she had taken a loan from the bank to purchase the car he was using. He has no other vehicle.

It was not established that any vehicles were owned by the other ranks; however, other investigations are ongoing into the allegations of their associations, even though specifics have not been provided.

Assistant Commissioner S. Merai has been written to by the Commissioner of Police to provide evidence to the Criminal Investigation Department of the allegations he has made.

The Guyana Police Force wishes to state that its resolve against drugs, drug dealers and criminal elements remains strong, and it remains a strong cohesive Force. Elements of the Force found in wrongdoing will continue to be dealt with appropriately. Contrary to the views of some, no cover is provided for these elements. The records of errant ranks are there to show, the release concluded.