DCP Martin awaits report after corruption case against 7 cops collapses
Senior Reporter
rhondor.dowlat@guardian.co.tt
Following the collapse of the case against seven police officers accused of extortion on Monday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Suzette Martin, who headed the Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) during the investigation, confirmed that the matter remains under review.
Speaking to Guardian Media on Tuesday, Martin said, “I’m awaiting a report. The matter was discharged, so I need to see the court report and the report from the PSB. At this time, I don’t have the reports in front of me.”
On Monday, Master Sarah De Silva dismissed the charges laid 18 months ago against the officers after the state failed to present critical evidence, meet deadlines, or secure key witnesses. The officers were charged following an investigation into a video in which they were allegedly extorting a Sangre Grande businessman.
Defence attorney Ulric Skerrit, who represented one of the officers, commented on the case’s dismissal, suggesting that it was inevitable given the circumstances. “The court did what it had to do. Until the police get their act together, this will keep happening,” he said.
He also noted that the officers, following the dismissal, were entitled to reinstatement in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
One of the officers, who has over 11 years of service, spoke out about the ordeal, describing it as a harrowing betrayal by the very system they served.
Speaking anonymously, the officer said, “I am happy that some sort of justice has been served, but I am very despondent. The treatment we endured was nothing short of heartbreaking.”
The officers were charged following what was reportedly a sanctioned operation targeting illegal gambling establishments. Months later, they were accused of misappropriating funds and conspiring to commit robbery based on a viral video.
The footage, lasting just over 90 seconds, was widely circulated on social media in April 2023. It showed three men entering the back room of a businessplace where employees were counting cash. One man was dressed in police-issued clothing, while the others wore navy blue t-shirts and black cargo pants.
The officers were arrested on April 24, 2023, following an investigation by the PSB. After an audience with Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, charges were laid against them. They appeared before the Sangre Grande Magistrates’ Court two days later, facing multiple allegations.
Inspector Dayal Ramlakhan, Acting Corporal Shaheed Khan, and Police Constable Davanan Ragbir were charged with misbehaviour in public office for allegedly corruptly appropriating $27,693 seized during the operation.
Ramlakhan, Police Constable Macai Joseph, and Special Reserve Police (SRP) Cleon Smith were charged with misbehaviour in public office for allegedly appropriating $12,297. Joseph and Smith were also charged with conspiring to pervert the course of public justice by knowingly making false written statements to implicate a victim in an illegal gaming house operation.
Ramlakhan, Ragbir, Smith, and SRP Rayon Charles faced charges for allegedly appropriating $38,500 during the same operation. Ragbir and Smith were further accused of conspiring to pervert the course of justice. Additionally, Ramlakhan, Police Constable Jason O’Souna, and Smith were charged with misbehaviour in public office for allegedly appropriating $11,339. Smith faced a separate charge of perverting the course of public justice by knowingly making false statements.
Despite these accusations, one of the officers insisted that the operation was legitimate. “This was an official exercise, fully documented with witnesses, including a Ministry of National Security interpreter. There was no wrongdoing,” he said.
Ultimately, the case was dismissed when the prosecution failed to present evidence, but the officer said the experience left an indelible mark. “Imagine being a police officer, dedicated to upholding the law, and finding yourself behind bars for seven days. To this day, I haven’t been able to fully process it,” he said.
The officer also criticised the PSB for what he called an incomplete investigation. “The PSB had no evidence of misappropriation. None,” he claimed, adding that the ordeal has shaken his faith in the system.
The officer said returning to work will be challenging but remains committed to his duty. “Some of us are going back with broken hearts. At the end of the day, God doesn’t sleep,” he said.
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