Four members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) have been charged with misbehaviour in public office in connection with an alleged attempt to conceal the discovery of a firearm.

Police Constables Mervyn Eligon, Daawuud Mohammed, Alexsi Harripersad and Akiel Smith appeared before the San Fernando Masters’ Court on Wednesday, March 11, to answer the charges.

Eligon was charged with misbehaviour in public office with intent to pervert the course of public justice, and misbehaviour in public office with intent to pervert the course of public justice by falsely representing that he recovered a firearm.

Eligon, Mohammed, Harripersad and Smith were also jointly charged with misbehaviour in public office by conspiring to pervert the course of public justice by concealing the discovery of a firearm and ammunition.

Bail was granted with surety as follows: Eligon was granted $275,000 bail to cover all charges, while Mohammed, Harripersad and Smith were each granted $150,000 bail.

According to police reports, on January 5, 2026, a report was made to the Professional Standards Bureau regarding the conduct of the officers, prompting the immediate launch of an investigation.

Investigations revealed that on December 31, 2025, shortly after midnight, Eligon went to a location in South Trinidad accompanied by other police officers, including Harripersad, Mohammed and Smith.

During a search of the premises, officers reportedly found a firearm with ammunition inside a black plastic bag secured within a storage box in the garage area.

The officers subsequently left the location and returned to the Princes Town Police Station, where it was reported that nothing illegal had been found during the exercise, and a corresponding entry was made in the station diary.

Sometime later, the officers responded to another report and, upon their return, allegedly made a false entry in the station diary claiming that they had recovered a firearm at that location.

Following the report to the Professional Standards Bureau, the matter was referred to Roger Gaspard, who advised that the officers be charged.

The investigation was coordinated by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Intelligence and Investigations) Natasha George, Assistant Commissioner of Police Richard Smith, Senior Superintendent Ramdeo and Superintendent Jankee.

The matter was heard before Master Bethelmy and was postponed to April 23, 2026.

In a separate development, the TTPS also confirmed the arrest of a police officer in connection with the alleged substitution of seized narcotics at the Chaguanas Police Station.

The matter remains under active investigation.

Police said the case follows a similar incident detected earlier in 2025 that also resulted in the arrest and charging of an officer.

Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro warned that officers who engage in criminal activity will face serious consequences.

“Let me be clear that any officer who believes they can use this organization as a shield for criminal activity is gravely mistaken. If you choose to engage in wrongdoing, you will be found, you will be removed, and you will face the full brunt of the law. The TTPS will not carry anyone who seeks to corrupt its mission or tarnish its name,” Guevarro said.

He added that while the majority of officers serve with integrity and professionalism, the police service remains committed to transparency, accountability and investigating any allegation of misconduct.