Police rum found at politician’s wife’s bar

Police officers investigating the larceny of 53 cases of rum from the police canteen, have traced some of the missing alcohol to two bars in Central and Tunapuna. The bar in Central belongs to the wife of a well-known politician. The woman and employees of the bar were questioned on Tuesday night and statements recorded. Newsday learnt that the woman could be charged with receiving stolen goods, while the persons who sold the cases of rum to the woman and others will be charged with shop breaking and larceny. Investigators revealed that a civilian employee of the canteen and a police officer will soon face charges arising out of the larceny of the cases of rum.

On Tuesday night, officers of the Port-of-Spain CID who are investigating the larceny of the rum, went to a bar in Central where they discovered the boxes which had contained the rum. The boxes containing the stolen rum had special markings and several bottles of rum lodged inside the bar area were seized. The boxes were also seized by the police. Officers also went to a bar in Tunapuna where they seized several boxes also carrying the special markings. Several persons were also questioned and statements recorded. Police investigators told Newsday they are now certain that the 53 cases of rum were stolen and sold to several bar owners. They feel that they may now be able to trace who are the perpetrators behind the larceny of the 53 cases of rum. Senior officers expressed embarrassment over the larceny of the rum and said this is not the first time that alcohol has been stolen from the police canteen. Officers believe the larceny was an inside job and arrests are imminent. According to reports, around midday last Friday the canteen was secured by an employee. He returned on Monday to discover the canteen broken into and two locks cut away. Ag Police Commissioner Everald Snaggs expressed concern over the larceny and said the police will leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the matter.