DEPUTY Commissioner of Police (Intelligence and Investigations) Suzette Martin wrote the Prime Minister, in his capacity as head of the National Security Council (NSC), requesting information on the procurement of two sniper rifles for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).

In her letter dated February 1, Martin posed two questions to Dr Rowley: Did Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher and/or former SSA director retired Major Roger Best notify the NSC about the agency’s intent to procure the rifles? If so, was it approved?

Her second question was: Did Harewood-Christopher inform the NSC that she had approved the SSA’s request to procure the rifles through firearm user’s license (FUL) dealer Luke Hadeed, managing director of Aston Enterprises Ltd?

Martin said she was advised by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, to seek this information as part of an ongoing investigation into the procurement of two Accuracy International AX2 bolt-action sniper rifles and related accessories, including 7.65mm suppression scopes, scope mounts, and bipods.

The procurement reportedly occurred between July 4, 2023, and June 2, 2024.

Speaking in Moruga on January 31, Dr Rowley denied any government role in the arrest of Harewood-Christopher, who was detained and questioned on January 30 in connection with the SSA rifle procurement investigation.

Rowley said he was “disappointed” with the situation but that TT operates under the rule of law.

“Whatever has happened, that it has come to that, that a senior officer like that apparently could run afoul of the law.”

He reassured the public that due process would be followed, adding, “A person is innocent until proven guilty, and due process is guaranteed. No person in this country can be arbitrarily charged or prosecuted for criminal conduct without the oversight of the DPP’s office.”

Rowley added, “Let me just emphasise that the Government of T&T does not identify any person to become the subject of a police investigation, charge, or prosecution. That is a matter for the police, and there is no role in that process of prosecution for the Government.”

According to a media report, he also said the police had asked questions of National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and the NSC, and that answers would be provided.

On January 30, police officers assigned to the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Intelligence and Investigations), led by DCP Martin, detained Harewood-Christopher for questioning.

[caption id="attachment_1136689" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher, left, and her attorney, Pamela Elder, SC, at the St Clair Police Station after the commissioner's release on February 1. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]

The investigation revolves around the importation of the sniper rifles for the SSA in 2023, with possible charges including misbehaviour in public office and perverting the course of justice.

Harewood-Christopher was released on February 1, after spending two nigh