By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE high-powered assault rifle that went missing from the army’s barracks’ in Chaguaramas has not been found four days after it was reported missing.
No one has also yet been suspended or detained in connection with the missing rifle at Tetron compound.
On Tuesday, the topic of the rifle continued during the question segment in Parliament, this time in the Senate.
Independent Senator Paul Richards first enquired about the rifle’s status and if any ammunition was also taken.
Acting Minister of National Security Marvin Gonzales said according to his information, no ammunition was taken.
He echoed statements made in the House of Representatives by Leader of Government Business Camille Robinson-Regis that an investigation was ongoing into the “very sensitive and serious matter.”
Gonzales said, “All protocols and everything that is necessary to ensure that this matter does not in any way repeat itself has been undertaken by the officials and the administrators of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force whilst the criminal investigation is ongoing.”
Opposition Wade Mark also asked of the Acting Minister of National Security to state the circumstances that would have allowed the rifle to be missing in the first place.
Gonzales said, “We have to await the outcome of the investigation that is being undertaken by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service as well as the executive management of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. As policymakers, as legislators, we must allow the investigations to take its course and at the appropriate time, we will report to the national community on the outcome of this investigation.”
He said that Government had full confidence in the law enforcement agencies to do its work and will provide all the resources and support they need to conduct an in-depth investigation into the matter.
In response to a question on the timeline of the investigation, Gonzales said that could not be predicted.
The Ministry of National Security has offered a $75,000 reward for information that will lead to the retrieval of the weapon or perpetrators.
