No Cabinet decision on probe into Dataram’s allegations – Granger

The report into the damning allegations made against several officers of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) by self-proclaimed drug lord Barry Dataram was tabled before Cabinet on Tuesday, however, no in-depth discussions were held.

This is according to President David Granger, who told reporters on Wednesday that the report of the inquest has been handed in.

“I cannot say specifically what was discussed. The matter was laid before Cabinet and we have not come to any conclusions about the matter… but it was not a significant matter (that) was discussed (Tuesday) with any depth,” he noted.
Nevertheless, the Head of State noted that he personally had a look at the report but will not comment on it without Cabinet first discussing the findings.
However, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had stated last week that after Cabinet is done reviewing the report, it will be made public.
In February, Dataram, during an interview with HGPTV Nightly News, alleged that senior CANU officials are involved in illegal drug trafficking activities and had even alleged that one of the agents bagged some $10 million in exchange for allowing cocaine to leave the country.
He also made allegations against the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). A week after the interview was broadcast; President Granger ordered that an inquest be established into the allegations.
The probe went on for some two months and following its completion, the report was handed over to Minister Harmon on behalf of the Head of State last Friday. Brigadier Bruce Lovell was appointed by the Head of State to probe the allegations made against ranks of the country’s premier drug enforcement unit.
During the handing over of the report, Brigadier Lovell noted that the allegations made by Dataram are serious, especially since State officials were named. As such, it was necessary that Government carry out an investigation.
He expressed his confidence that Government will consider his conclusion and recommendations, and take appropriate actions. Upon receiving the report, Minister Harmon highlighted the importance of having the inquiry done. He noted that this way, they will determine what the facts of any situation are.
Moreover, the Minister of State added that Government will take the appropriate actions after reviewing the report.
A copy of the document was handed over to the President and Ministry of Public Security for further review.