Missing rum not actually missing, say police

POLICE are not convinced that the 53 missing cases of rum that disappeared from the police canteen Port-of-Spain two days ago are actually missing.

“We are currently checking the books to see if there was some cover-up and the missing rum was used as an excuse. “The exit to the canteen is in front of police headquarters, which has 24 hour security outside. Inside the canteen area itself, there is 24-hour patrol. “To move 53 cases of rum on any given day will require a truck. No truck was ever seen and all the gates were locked. “At the end of every year there are problems of accountability. “The only explanation is that the books showed some massive shortcomings and the missing rum was created to explain.”

According to an official police report, around midday on Friday, officers at the canteen secured the place and left. They returned on Monday and found two padlocks cut and the rum missing. Random searches have been carried out at the homes of canteen workers and several bars in Port-of-Spain to no avail. “The cut padlock could have been created to throw off the investigators. “We are not pointing fingers, but it is strange that a place with 24-hour security could be broken into and two padlocks sawed off. “The Fraud Squad might have to be called in. “It is either an inside job or some one fell down on the work. “Presently, we are checking all the facts after which the appropriate action will be taken,” warned a senior officer.” Police told Newsday that they have leads and expect to make an arrest soon. Port-of-Spain CID is investigating.