2 cops among 6 held in suspected drug operation
TWO police officers, who were among six suspects detained yesterday in connection with the suspected drug plane seized on Sunday at the Tinson Pen aerodrome in Kingston, are to be charged with shooting with intent and illegal possession of firearm.
Police sources told the Observer that the two, a corporal and constable, whose names have been withheld for security reasons, were assigned to the Hunts Bay station in southern Kingston.
Three of the detainees, the police say, were Port Security Corps employees, while the sixth detainee worked at the Tinson Pen aerodrome opening gates.
Meanwhile, the police said they are closing in on the pilot and the “drug kingpin” believed to be at the centre of the suspected drug mission.
In fact, police investigators say they have identified two of the main suspects and the pilot of the aircraft, who has since fled the island.
However, police sources told the Observer yesterday that they are closing in on the pilot, who reportedly fled the island shortly after the incident to seek medical treatment.
The source said that according to intelligence, the pilot turned up yesterday at a hospital in the USA for treatment for gunshot wounds received during the exchange of gunfire.
Police believe he was shot at least three times. They also say the pilot is a former US Army fighter pilot, who fought in the 1991 Gulf War and is believed to be one of the best pilots in the profession.
The police say they also know the drug kingpin, who is at the centre of the drug run.
“He is a well known cocaine trader,” the source said. “Furthermore, he is the operator of a charter service out of Kingston,” added the police source, who declined to identify the kind of charter service the suspect operates.