Immediate dismissal of CANU rank in extortion attempt at CJIA

The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) has recommended the immediate dismissal of one of its ranks Osafa Matherson who was caught on video attempting to extort money from an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) earlier this week.

A statement from CANU noted that it was apprised of the video circulating on social media “displaying law enforcement Officers conducting themselves in an unprofessional manner.”

“Investigations have confirmed that one of the law enforcement Officers is an employee of CANU.  Based on investigations, there was a serious breach of CANU’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” the CANU statement noted.

The CANU said that consequent to the findings of the investigation, recommendations for the immediate dismissal of the Officer in question have been forwarded to the Ministry of Public Security.  Matherson has been working with CANU for only six months.

An outgoing passenger claimed that the young CANU rank attempted to extort money from her by claiming that marijuana was found in her bag, and he could help her out.

The female passenger was alarmed at the marijuana find and asked the rank to see his supervisor when he gave her back her travel documents.

The woman recorded the entire ordeal and posted it on Facebook. The CANU noted that any officer found engaging in corrupt activities will be dealt with.

“CANU strives at all times to operate professionally with a high level of integrity and all Officers are afforded the necessary training to perform their duties in accordance with the Unit’s SOPs and are encouraged to maintain the expected standard of integrity.  Therefore, any Officer found with conduct inimical to the Unit’ policies, will be dealt with condignly,” the statement noted.

According to CANU, “It should be noted that this Officer’s conduct does not reflect what the Unit stands for and should not be used as an indicator of the conduct of the many hardworking and professional Officers of the Unit who daily perform their duties with a high level of integrity. CANU regrets this unfortunate incident and wishes to assure the public that no acts of indiscipline and unprofessionalism will be condoned.”

The public was reminded that CANU welcomes feedback and contact can be made on telephone Nos. 227-3507 or 226-0431.