A Siparia police constable has been arrested for allegedly accepting a $500 bribe from a man whom he arrested with two cocaine rocks in March and subsequently released without charge. Today, the Director of Public Prosecutions is expected to give officers instructions on what charges to lay against the 42-year-old officer, who has 20 years service. He faces soliciting a bribe and misbehaviour in public office charges.
The officer remains in police custody after he was arrested on Saturday in a sting operation led by Inspector Anderson Pariman of the South Western Division. Police reports state that on March 24, the officer detained a man, searched him and found two cocaine rocks on him. The officer allegedly told the man he would not charge him if he gave him $2000.
The man agreed to pay him and they made arrangements to met. The man then reported the officer to the police and a sting operation was organised. On Saturday evening the officer went to China City Restaurant, Siparia, where he met the man and collected a $500 downpayment. The officer was immediately arrested and taken to the Siparia Police Station.
Investigations are continuing.