TWO police officers in Division Six, East Berbice Corentyne, are expected to be brought before the court to face charges for an alleged corruption transaction. This information was disclosed by new Commander of the Division, Senior Superintendent, Shivpersaud Bacchus.

Among the accused is a subordinate officer in charge of a police outpost within the division, while the other is a junior rank under the officer’s command.

According to information received, the subordinate officer and the junior rank allegedly demanded $400,000 from a civilian after an illegal firearm was discovered. The incident took place on Saturday night at a popular food establishment and night spot on the Corentyne.

According to police in a report, on the night in question, a 32-year-old security guard heard a commotion from the lower flat of the establishment and shouts of someone having a gun.

Being armed, the security guard ran down the stairs and discharged a warning round in the air. The crowd dispersed and he noticed a male in the crowd dropped ‘something’ as he ran away. Upon closer investigation, he realised that the object was a pistol with two rounds. The police were subsequently notified and the firearm was handed over to them.

The subordinate officer and the junior rank, along with a third officer reportedly visited the scene shortly after and made the demand to sweep the matter under the rug.

After members of an investigation team visited the area on Sunday, they were apprised of the incident and their investigation led to the alleged transaction, after it was discovered that the male suspect who allegedly dropped the weapon was sent home by a constable at the police outpost, after being detained.

Further investigations led to statements from eyewitnesses and a report was compiled by the team and the three ranks were placed under close arrest.

Following the submission of the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), charges were recommended for the subordinate officer and the junior rank while there was insufficient evidence to implicate the third officer, who was allowed to resume his regular duties.

The two remain in police custody pending their court appearances. The weapon is also in police custody while investigations are still ongoing on the civilian involved in the incident.

The regional top cop used the opportunity to issue a stern warning to all other officers and civilians that those types of actions would not be tolerated under his watch and those found guilty will face the full force of the law.  He said that a corrupt transaction involves a giver and a receiver and both are going to be charged if found guilty.