NEWSDAY

 
By RALPH BANWARIE Tuesday, December 9 2014

EASTERN Division Police conducted a successful anti-crime initiative on the weekend in which six persons were arrested and charged for driving while under the influence of alcohol, four for possession of illegal narcotics and 40 fixed penalty tickets were issue to other errant motorists.

The exercise began at about 7 pm on Saturday and ended at 8 pm on Sunday and was carried out in the Valencia and Sangre Grande districts. Apart from the traffic exercise police officers issued search warrants at several houses in Valencia for illegal narcotics.

Four persons were arrested with 600 grammes of marijuana which carries a local street value of $7,000. One of the four persons detained is also wanted for outstanding warrants for matters currently before the courts.

During the exercise, police had cause to stop several motorists and administer the breathalyser test. Six drivers failed the test and were subsequently charged for drunk driving.

They were taken to the Sangre Grande Police Station and granted own bail and told to attend the Sangre Grande Magistrates’ Court on Monday (yesterday) to answer to the charges.

A total of 40 motorists were stopped and issued fixed penalty tickets for such offences as driving without seat belts, use of cellphone while driving, irregular registration number plates, heavily tinted glass, non functional lights, overcrowding, smooth tyres and loud music.

The charges for drug possession and driving under the influence of alcohol were laid by PCs Nanan, Charles, Mohammed and Smith.

The exercise was co-ordinated by head of Eastern Division Snr Supt Sacenarine Mahabir and included ASP Aroon Ramkahelawan, ASP Khandai, Ag Insp Ken Lutchman, Sgt Harper, Cpl Allan Khan, Cpl Nicholas Vialva, PCs Anil Mootoo, Nanan, Charles, Mohammed, Smith WPC Skeete and others.