Police Shakeup in Region One Amid Probe Into Cocaine Discovery
By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News
Amid ongoing investigations into the massive 4.4-ton cocaine bust near an illegal airstrip in Region One, Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken has acknowledged that if officers are found to be involved, a full investigation will be launched.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Mr. Hicken said he was made aware of the allegations via social media and intends to engage the head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Mr. James Singh, to be fully briefed.
“If that’s the case, there will be an investigation,” Hicken told the press, while noting he had not yet received any formal complaints from senior officers.
Hours after his statement, significant changes were made in the leadership of Region One.
- Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, who was the Regional Commander, has been removed from his post and reassigned to the Police Force’s Transport Workshop.
- Deputy Superintendent James Tappin, who was second in command, has now been appointed as the new Commander of Regional Division 1.
- In a related change, Superintendent Ravindra Stanley will now act as Commander of Region Two, following the hospitalization of Superintendent Khadsi Baran.
Nightly News has received credible information suggesting that a policeman and others may have been directly involved in the drug operation. One source confirmed that a police officer had been providing security for the drugs, which were found buried in the jungle near the illegal airstrip.
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn also weighed in, saying the massive operation could not have been executed without local assistance, though he emphasized it was likely orchestrated by foreign nationals from neighboring countries.
“An operation of this kind couldn’t have been done without some local help… but we believe this is a major operation led by persons from overseas,” Minister Benn stated.
CANU has since confirmed that the agency is receiving international assistance in the ongoing probe.
