Defence Force thanks public

Speaking at yesterday’s police media briefing, Director of the Public Affairs Unit, TTPS, Sharon Lee Assang and Public Relations Officer, Defence Force, Capt Al Alexander said many of the illegal items recovered and destroyed had resulted from information provided by members of the public.

Lee Assang said, “Officers have been able to gather more intelligence during the state of emergency and the public seem to be more forthcoming with information.”

Echoing Lee Assang’s sentiments, Alexander said, “I think the public now understands that we are in this thing together and that the Defence Force and the police cannot do it alone. We need the 1.2 million extra eyes and ears on the ground to help us and the public has understood that and we are receiving that help.”

Questioned by reporters as to why there had been no arrests in connection with recent large marijuana discoveries in Las Cuevas and Biche stemming from information provided by the public, Lee Assang said despite surveillance, there were no arrests “because there was no one there at the time.”

Lee Assang and Alexander said while marijuana eradication exercises had been taking place prior to the state of emergency, more marijuana discoveries were occurring now because the public was more forthcoming.

Responding to questions about whether they were any closer to locating the persons who finance such operations, Alexander said following the number of calls received in the past two months, “I hope it will lead to us finding the elusive Mr Big.”

Asked about claims that officers were beating persons to get information about the location of illegal firearms and narcotics, Alexander said, “There have been some incidents where members of the Defence Force have used excessive force and we have been able to treat with those issues.”

Alexander said the court martials of soldiers found guilty of using excessive force are due to begin shortly.