A close relative of former Police Commissioner Stephen Williams, who is also a police officer, was detained by officers of the Organised Crime and Intelligence Unit (OCIU) on Friday.
Sources close to the investigation told Guardian Media that Williams’ relative and another 39-year-old police constable were held by the OCIU at the Arouca Police Station moments after both returned from the Tunapuna Magistrate’s Court.
Senior police sources confirmed that the lockers of both men were searched at the police station and later their homes before they were taken to a police station in Port-of-Spain.
Their cellular phones have also been seized by officers of OCIU, police said.
Guardian Media understands that approximately four days ago members of an Arouca-based gang were taken into custody by the OCIU. During interrogation they gave certain information relating to several police officers, investigators said.
Senior sources told Guardian Media that over the last few months several police officers have been under surveillance for allegedly facilitating gang activity around the country.
One high-ranking source revealed, “This operation is ongoing and that is much as I can say as it relates to this matter.”
Williams confirmed that his relative had been held by police in an interview with Guardian Media.
“Yes I understand so,” he said.
When asked if he knew why his relative had been detained, he said, “I don’t know. I did not speak with him and I did not visit him and that is as much as I can say.”
In September 2017 the Organised Crime and Narcotics Firearms Bureau (OCNFB) and the Crime Gang Intelligence Unit (CGIU) were merged to form the OCIU. Then acting Police Commissioner Harold Phillip said the unit’s mandate was to “dismantle, disrupt, suppress and prosecute members of organised criminal groups which have over time arranged themselves into organised criminal networks.”
In July 2018, the two sons of Phillip were arrested and charged for the possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and that matter is still pending before the court.
In 2016, the son of Deputy Commissioner of Police Deodat Dulachan was ordered to do 100 hours of community service on a conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol.