Cop, wife back in court for guns, drugs

While there has been no confirmation on whether the police officer held for possession of arms and ammunition has had his bail reduced, the officer and his common-law wife remained incarcerated up to yesterday. Appearing for yet another time before a Tunapuna magistrate yesterday was PC Dave Wellington and his companion Rika Samuel, who were arrested and charged recently for firearm related offences.

Complainant in the matter Insp Mitchell Manswell could shed no light on whether or not the officer had his bail reduced. However, it had been reported that an application had been made to a judge in chambers for a reduction in the bail sum for both the accused. Wellington and Samuel were held on Thursday September 16 at about 5.15 am, after extended surveillance of their Curepe home by officers of the Firearm Interdiction Unit.

After an exercise headed by Insp Mitchell Manswell, the couple was arrested and charged when officers found illegal items in their possession. The accused were charged with possession of a firearm, two shotguns and one rifle, and possession of five hand grenades. Wellington and his companion were also charged for possession of 66 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 52 rounds of .38 ammunition, seven rounds of .38 special ammunition, 57 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, 14 rounds of 303 ammunition, one round of .38 ammunition, two 5.56 shells, two 16-gauge cartridges, 21 12-gauge cartridges, and four rounds of 7.62 ammunition. The fourth charge was for possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.