Two police detectives held in connection with theft of 500 kg of mercury in Paramaribo
Two detectives from the Fraud division have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of more than 500 kg of mercury from Geyersvlijt police station in Paramaribo.
Fraud division detectives held in Geyersvlijt mercury theft case
Two police officers have been detained and held in custody in an investigation into the disappearance of a large quantity of seized mercury from the grounds of Geyersvlijt police station in Paramaribo. This was confirmed by KPS spokesman Inspector Michael Elskamp to De Ware Tijd.
The detectives in question are R.C. and A.K. from the Fraud division. Their rank has not been disclosed. The arrest was made by the Capital Crimes division. The investigation is focusing on the theft of eleven cylinders of mercury with a total weight of more than 500 kilograms, which were taken in May of this year from a storage container on the back grounds of the police post in Paramaribo-North.
At an earlier stage, four other suspects were already arrested. Three of them were released after questioning; the fourth was initially held in custody but was later released by the Public Prosecutor's Office.
In addition to the criminal investigation into those involved, locating the stolen mercury is a high priority. "The investigation is of course also focused on establishing where the mercury has been taken so that we can secure it," said Elskamp. The substance is frequently used illegally in Suriname's gold sector and, according to the authorities, poses serious risks to both public health and the environment.
Inspector Elskamp emphasised that a complex criminal investigation such as this requires time and careful attention. Suspects are only formally identified — and arrested — when facts and circumstances provide sufficient grounds for doing so. He did not rule out further arrests at a later stage. Once new information becomes available, the police will share it with the public.
Source: De Ware Tijd