THE Ministry of Home Affairs has moved to correct what it describes as “misleading” media reports regarding an alleged break-in at the location earmarked for the new headquarters of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry said reports under the headline “Duo granted $75,000 bail each for breaking into CANU HQ” created an inaccurate public impression about the nature and status of the facility.
According to the Ministry, “the building in question is not an occupied CANU headquarters. The location is an active construction site for CANU’s new headquarters and has not yet been handed over to, or occupied by, CANU.”
The release stressed that until the facility is formally handed over, responsibility for the security of the site remains with the contractor.
“All security and safeguarding responsibilities for the site rest with the contractors, in accordance with standard construction and project management arrangements,” the Ministry stated.
As such, officials emphasised that the incident “does not represent a breach of security at an operational CANU facility, nor does it reflect on the security systems, protocols, or performance of CANU.”
The Ministry further cautioned that characterising the location as an active headquarters, without noting its unoccupied, under-construction status, may mislead the public into thinking that a functioning national security installation was compromised.
Calling for responsible reporting, the Ministry urged media houses to ensure accuracy when referencing sensitive facilities.
It advised reporters to “verify the operational status and control of facilities referenced in stories, confirm ownership of property involved in alleged offences and avoid characterisations that could mislead the public or misattribute responsibility.”
The Ministry assured that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of security across all agencies under its purview.