PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner, Erla Harewood-Christopher has been arrested and detained as investigations continue into the importation of two sniper rifles by the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Suzette Martin, told a news conference that the top cop, who has been moved to a secret location, had been arrested and detained along with the former director of the SSA, Major Roger Best over the past few days.

“We understand that this has raised significant public concern and we are committed to providing as much information as possible while respecting the ongoing investigation,” Martin said.

“At this time an active investigation is proceeding and I must stress that it is still in progress.  We are working closely with the director of public prosecution and the relevant authorities to ensure that due process is followed and that all legal protocols are observed,” she added.

Police said that the investigations were triggered by the unlawful procurement of firearms and that charges could include misbehaviour in public office.

Martin said that the investigations are still ongoing and “is at a sensitive stage, we are unable to provide specific details about the nature of the arrest”.

“It is important that we allow the investigation to unfold without interference. I ask you for your understanding and patience as we work to ensure that all aspects of this matter are addressed thoroughly and fairly.”

Martin said she wanted to re-assure the public that the arrest of the police commissioner “does not affect the day-to-day operations of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).

“Our officers remain committed to serving and protecting the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,” she said, adding that the members of the hierarchy of the TTPS “are also here with us today and we will continue to function without disruption”.

“We are fully operational and the safety and security of the public remain our top priority,” she said, with the police indicating that arrests and other activities associated with the current state of emergency are ongoing.

“The integrity of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service as an institution remains strong and we continue to hold the highest standard of professionalism. The public should expect continued service from the police and safety and security will remain our priority,” Martin said, adding that the TTPS is committed to transparency and accountability.

“We will continue to provide updates as appropriate, but we must be mindful of not compromising the investigation or legal proceedings. Our duty is to ensure that justice is served fairly and without bias and we will do so with integrity,” she added.

In May last year, Harewood-Christopher was given a one-year extension as police commissioner after the Cabinet had earlier indicated that on May 13 it advised President Christine Kangaloo under the Police Service Act (section 75(a)) to extend her service for a year starting May 15.

Harewood-Christopher had reached the retirement age of 60 on May 15, 2023, and Cabinet gave her a one-year extension up to May 24, 2024.

During the news conference, the police confirmed that the top cop had been moved to a secret location as the probe continues adding that her constitutional rights are being observed “and we have taken a proactive step to ensure that there is no matter that may arise that may place her welfare at prejudice”.

The police said that every effort is being made to have the criminal investigations completed as soon as possible, noting “it has always been an established practice and protocol to conduct investigations expeditiously, diligently” and that instructions have been given to ensure that the “matter proceeds expeditiously and diligently”.

Harewood-Christopher is not the first police commissioner to be arrested and investigated in Trinidad and Tobago.

In 1986, suspended police commissioner Randall Burroughs, who became police commissioner in 1978, was arrested on drug smuggling charges and appeared in court in connection with the 1983 deaths of two men in a police shootout.

The charges were brought against the police chief following a government investigation into the drug trade.

Meanwhile, businessman Luke Hadeed, accompanied by his attorney Om Lalla, Friday voluntarily surrendered himself for questioning in the ongoing investigation.