Policeman air-lifted from ‘ganja’ field

A POLICEMAN had to be air-lifted in a National Security helicopter from a marijuana field in the forests off Mafeking Village, Mayaro yesterday, after he was shot by a trap-gun while on a marijuana eradication exercise with other officers.

However, although the ordeal was a frightening one, with dozens of shotgun pellets having been buried in his chest and in the left side of his face, Ag Cpl Richard Knights, 38, of the Mayaro Police Station, was reported to be in stable condition at the San Fernando General Hospital. Ag Cpl Knights was among a team of Mayaro police officers led by Insp Subnaik, who embarked on the exercise around midday yesterday. About half a mile into the forests, the officers came across a medium-sized marijuana field and set about slashing the trees and preparing to burn them in large piles.

While officers were busy cutting down the trees, a loud explosion was heard and Ag Cpl Knights slumped to the ground, screaming in pain. Officers ran to Knights’ assistance and saw blood streaming from wounds in his chest and the left side of his face. A wireless radio transmission was made by the officers to Eastern Division Headquarters in Sangre Grande, seeking immediate assistance for the downed officer. A National Security Services helicopter was dispatched to the Mafeking forests and the wounded officer was air-lifted to the SFGH for treatment. On hearning that their colleague was stabilised and at hospital, the officers continued their work and destroyed approximately 10,000 fully grown marijuana trees and a live-in camp. No arrests were made. ASP Khan is investigating the incident.