Published August 12, 2018
Buckie got it St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
COMMISSIONER UPDATES PUBLIC ON INTERNAL INVESTIGATION, ADDRESSES
MISINFORMATION
Over the past few days there were several reports circulating via social and other media platforms regarding
missing exhibits that were in Police custody.
I can confirm that small quantities of cannabis, which are exhibits in matters before the Magistrate’s Court,
have recently gone missing from Police custody. At the time of its disappearance, the drugs were placed at a
location outside of the secured exhibit room.
On discovering that the drugs were missing, an investigation was immediately launched. It is currently being
supervised by the Head of the Crime Directorate, Assistant Commissioner Andre Mitchell. He will be assisted
by external, experienced investigators from within the region who arrived in the Federation earlier on a
previously arranged capacity building engagement. The disappearance of these drugs is a disturbing and an
extremely serious matter which is being treated with the seriousness that it deserves. The Director of Public
Prosecution, Mr. Valston M. Graham, who has control of Criminal Prosecutions, was immediately informed. He
has advised us in relation to both the case concerned and the ongoing investigation in respect to the
disappearance of the drugs.
Because the drugs are associated with current Court cases and there is an active investigation being conducted,
it would be inappropriate to divulge to the general public the full details leading to the disappearance of the
drugs at this time. Further, in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, I am unable to comment
on details of the investigative actions taken thus far and our findings. To do so could prejudice both the outcome
of the investigation and any future criminal prosecution that may follow.
As Commissioner, I wish to assure the General Public that no efforts will be spared in our attempt to discover
the identity of the person, and/or persons responsible for this unethical and reprehensible act. This is a very
troubling occurrence and one that we condemn in the strongest terms.
I can also confirm that the investigation being conducted is in respect to a single incident. In light of this
incident, I ordered that a separate audit be conducted with respect to our arms and ammunition inventory. The
audit revealed that all is in order. Reports circulating on social and other media which suggest that there are
guns and ammunition missing in relation to other court cases are malicious and completely false.
Suggestions that there has been external or improper influence in the treatment of this matter, or any other
police investigation, are not only mischievous, they are malicious and unfounded. Therefore, I consider it
necessary to re-emphasize that our conduct of investigations are always carried out independent of external
influence or interference.
I fully understand and appreciate the public’s desire for answers. As your Commissioner, I am committed to
providing those answers at the appropriate time. We are committed to identifying those responsible for this
heinous act. As Commissioner, I have stated publicly, time and time again, that I will not tolerate such conduct
in any shape or form by any member of the Police Force. We will continue to work to identify and eradicate
such persons from law enforcement agencies and society at large.
Should anyone have information regarding this or any other matter of a criminal nature, we again appeal for
your cooperation. We assure you that such information will be treated with the strictest confidence.
