Cop caught in SoE net…arrested under

2026-03-24 - 02:33

Kejan Haynes Lead Editor – Newsgathering A serving police officer has been placed under preventive detention, after being identified for supplying operational intelligence to organised crime groups, creating a risk of imminent attacks between rival gangs using high-powered firearms in public spaces. Pramanan Rajpath was among 11 people ordered detained by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander on March 16 and 17 under the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2026. The measures target individuals, including leaders and members of organised crime groups under the Anti-Gang Act, assessed to pose an immediate threat to public safety. Responding to the detention of the officer yesterday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin, who is serving as Gold Commander for the State of Emergency (SoE), described the allegations as especially serious, saying any suggestion that an officer used their position to compromise sensitive operational information and facilitate criminal activity strikes at the core of the T&T Police Service’s (TTPS) mandate. While declining to comment on the specifics of the case, Martin said the action reflects the police service’s commitment to maintaining its integrity and addressing threats to public trust and national security. She said intelligence-led operations are designed to detect and prevent breaches that could contribute to retaliatory violence between organised criminal groups. Martin added that the TTPS continues to take a proactive approach in identifying and addressing internal vulnerabilities, noting that incidents of this nature, while concerning, demonstrate that internal systems are functioning. She said measures have been implemented to contain any potential operational risks, including the possibility of reprisal attacks, and confirmed there has been no disruption to police operations during the SoE. “Let me be clear: any breach of trust by a member of the service will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law. The safety of the public remains our highest priority, and we will continue to act swiftly to neutralise any threat to national security,” Martin said. Also contacted on the issue, Police Service Social and Welfare Association president Ishmael Pitt said the matter required careful handling, noting the need to balance the rights of the individual with the integrity of the organisation. “So generally, it’s a balancing act because in one instance, we don’t want that an officer is unfairly treated, unfairly sanctioned. I hold to the notion, at this point in time, that this person is innocent until proven guilty. But on the other hand, the organisation has and will continue to take steps in order to treat with issues that may undermine the very institution itself,” Pitt said. He added that while the association supports efforts by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to preserve its image and prevent it from being undermined, it will also ensure the officer receives support, including in any legal challenge. Most of the detainees named in the latest PDOs are connected to violent gangs involved in firearms-related crime, territorial disputes, and narcotics trafficking. Aaron Bon and Michael Herbert were detained for acting as external facilitators of smuggling prohibited items, including firearms, narcotics, knives and mobile phones, into correctional facilities, allowing incarcerated criminals to continue directing operations and maintain influence over gang activity. Gang-related detainees include Taheir “Trey” Khan, who is identified as the leader of a car theft network in Enterprise and Cunupia. Vehicles stolen by the network have been used in deadly gang violence, including shootings that caused multiple deaths and serious injuries, the PDO said. Intelligence reports identify Khan as a key figure whose continued liberty posed a substantial threat to public safety. Chris Charles, also known as “Chris Balmacoonsingh,” “Dey Dey,” and “Monsta 7,” was identified as an associate of the Seven Gang in his PDO. He has appeared in online videos threatening reprisal shootings and is linked to armed robberies, home invasions and break-ins. Other detainees linked to gangs include Darion “SMalls” Bhaggan, described as a Resistance Gang member in Tunapuna who acts as a shooter, driver and operational coordinator; Barry “Honda Boss” Bickram, who operates a facility for concealing and modifying stolen vehicles; and members of the Rasta City/Seven Gang, including Tariq “Tiks”/“Teeths” Adams, Jahyel “Jayyel” Biggot and Denver Boyea, who were all identified as shooters planning imminent retaliatory attacks against rival gangs. Also among the published preventive detention orders is 16-year-old Jaylon George, the first minor detained under the current SoE. He is being held at the Youth Training and Rehabilitation Centre in Arouca, with police alleging he is a shooter for the gang with access to high-powered firearms and ammunition. His parents, Marlon Ward and Lislles George, have publicly declared their son’s innocence. All other detainees are being held at the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre in Santa Rosa, Arima, under conditions determined by the minister. Guardian Media reached out to Homeland Security Minister Alexander for comment but none was received up until press time. — With reporting by Akash Samaroo