DPP criticises wire-tap probe - Cites lack of evidence to charge senior policemen

Pantry

DIRECTOR OF Public Prosecution (DPP) Kent Pantry says that there were areas of mishandling of information and investigations into drug running allegedly involving senior members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

He also said investigations into the alleged involvement of senior police officers in drug trafficking, may be reopened depending on the outcome of another case in the United States.

In his August 3 ruling into allegations of wire-tapping and drug running, Mr. Pantry noted that at present there was not enough evidence to charge any senior police personnel.

"However, it may be that after the (Samuel) Knowles case is dealt with in the United States, the Bahamian, United States and Canadian law enforcement officials, may perhaps share information which may result in charges of senior police personnel," Mr. Pantry said.

The DPP ruled however, that three persons, Roderick "Jimmy" McGregor, head of a disbanded civilian intelligence unit, and two employees from Cable and Wireless, Suzette Gibbon and Devon "Bigga" Francis, should be charged with tampering with the works of Cable and Wireless Jamaica Ltd.

In addition, the DPP ruled that the two employees should be charged with using the works of Cable and Wireless in a manner inconsistent with the express or implied authority of Cable and Wireless.

Mr. Pantry said that based on investigations carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, no drugs were ever recovered during the various meetings in which a police informant said he was present with the drug dealers when they met with the police officers.

Neither were photographs or videotapes taken of police personnel or other persons meeting with the drug dealers, the DPP said.

The wire-tapping allegations arose out of reports that several senior officers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) were part of a thriving drug trade involving Colombians. It was reported that the officers were paid $2 million to offer safe passage for the traffickers to use Jamaican waters.

Investigations into the allegations began late last year following reports of illegal wire-tapping of several telephones, including that of Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, and a number of his Cabinet Ministers.

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