Joseph: No need for FBI

NATIONAL SECURITY Min-ister Martin Joseph yesterday rejected a request from the Opposition UNC for international law enforcement agencies to investigate how a quantity of cocaine and two mortar bombs were planted in a water tank at the Palmiste home of UNC Senator Sadiq Baksh in July 2002. Speaking on a motion on the adjournment of the House of Representatives, Opposition Chief Whip Ganga Singh demanded independent investigations, spearheaded by either the Federal Bureau of Investiga-tions or the New Scotland Yard, into this matter.

Singh claimed the PNM was afraid of what an independent investigation would uncover and saying that “this is an extraordinary crime and it requires an extraordinary response.” Joseph responded that on July 17, 2002, police went to Baksh’s home and discovered a “nylon knapsack containing six parcels of cocaine and two US made 120 mm M5 mortar bombs.” “Investi-gations into the discovery were immediately initiated,” he said. According to the Commis-sioner of Police (CoP), a forensic analysis was done to identify the substance contained in the knapsack, revealing that the substance in question contained cocaine.

The CoP advised that Interpol, Washington DC, has confirmed that the mortars which were manufactured in the US were inert rounds, specifically manufactured for training purposes. “Investigations to establish how the mortars arrived in TT as well as to ascertain the identity of the person or persons responsible for placing the substance and the mortars at Senator Sadiq Baksh’s home are ongoing and are being spearheaded by a senior officer of the Southern Division,” he explained.

Joseph said the police “have indicated in some instances, they have been having problems with respect to the persons who have been questioned in terms of obtaining information from them. To date, there has been no conclusive evidence, to enable an arrest. The question of calling an independent investigator has not been raised by the police. These investigations are continuing and I do not propose to anticipate their outcome,” the Minister concluded. Singh also alleged there was a connection between the cocaine found in Baksh’s water tank and cocaine recently discovered in three diplomatic pouches. “It is clear that the Government wants to cover up because there are people within their hierarchy who are guilty of cocaine trafficking. Over the last three years, 96 (diplomatic) bags left this country,” he declared. The Opposition Chief Whip also asked why no attention was being paid to 12 other TT overseas consulates. Prime Minister Patrick Manning vowed that Govern-ment “would leave no stone unturned” to ensure that the security of the diplomatic pouch is not breached.