By Alexander Bruzual Friday, November 13 2009

Almost three weeks have passed and 11 of the 13 firearms stolen from the Mi5 Security Compound on October 25 last, remain missing.

However, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Gilbert Reyes, is confident that the remaining weapons will be discovered in the near future.

In a brief telephone interview yesterday, Reyes said the police service was continuing to work assiduously in finding the remaining firearms. He said even though over 18 days had passed since the firearms were stolen from the Mi5 compound on Alfredo Street, Woodbrook, the police service was still taking the report very seriously.

“It is still at the top of our lists because the issue of firearms on the streets is a cause of grave concern especially at a time when the police service is dedicated to reducing the commonplace of such weapons,” Reyes said.

The Deputy Commissioner also revealed that investigators were currently working “on specific leads” at the moment, in conjunction with assistance from the security firm, in identifying other persons who may be involved in the theft.

Although he did not go into the details of the investigation, Reyes assured Newsday that results were imminent.

Two of the weapons have been recovered, and four men have been held by police to date in connection with the robbery.

Leary Ferrier, 27, of Beatrice Street Couva, Hayden Riley, 26, of Jennifer Street, Couva and Caesar Collins, 29, of Calcutta No 2, are currently in custody charged for receiving one of the 13 firearms. The matter is currently ongoing before a Couva magistrate.

Meanwhile, Donny Dick, 29, a terminal worker with Plipdeco at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, is in custody for allegedly robbing the security compound. Police believe that Dick is one of the individuals who robbed Lesley Ann-Thompson, an employee of the security firm, of the firearms. Because of the nature of the charges laid against Dick, this matter is currently ongoing before two Port-of-Spain magistrates.

On October 25, two men — one dressed in partial police uniform and the other in Mi5 operational wear — held up a female security officer on sentry duty at the security firm. The woman was beaten by the men one of whom is said to be a former Mi5 employee, before the intruders seized 13 firearms from a vault below the counter.

The missing weapons included 11 nine-millimetre semi-automatic pistols, one shotgun and one .357 revolver. A senior investigator said the weapons were not loaded.