CANU denies allegations of suspect mistreatment

See full statement below:  

The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) wishes to categorically deny recent allegations circulating in the public domain suggesting that officers of the Unit subjected a suspect who was in custody to physical assault or inflicted bodily harm. These claims are entirely baseless, malicious, and without a shred of evidentiary support.

The suspect in question was a person of interest wanted by the Unit two days before his detention, though he remained reluctant to turn himself in during that period. Upon his eventual arrival at CANU Headquarters, the suspect openly admitted to Officers that he was under the influence of narcotics, which resulted in highly erratic behavior from the suspect. Throughout his detention, the suspect continuously requested water and repeatedly tried to inflict self-harm and bodily injuries upon himself.

Additionally, the Unit wishes to highlight that the suspect, in a clear and lucid moment, signed a formal diary entry acknowledging his status and treatment before his departure. In this signed statement, the suspect explicitly confirmed that there were no allegations of mistreatment and that no marks of violence were administered to him by any officer of the Unit.

The current allegations made by the suspect clearly contradict his own signed statement, and it is highly alarming that these claims have surfaced almost 24 hours after his release from custody. It has become a discernible and troubling pattern for suspects to utilize allegations of brutality as a tactical maneuver, which is an attempt to avert the course of justice, gain undeserved sympathy, and tarnish the reputation of the Unit.

The Unit wishes to emphasize that there is absolutely no evidence to support the accusations made against the Unit. CANU remains committed to the professional and lawful discharge of its duties in the fight against narcotics trafficking. The Unit will not be deterred by smear campaigns or desperate attempts to undermine its operations.

The Unit maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding officer misconduct and remains transparent in our processes. However, the Unit will robustly defend our officers against false claims intended to manipulate the judicial process. Investigations into the suspect’s underlying narcotics matters are currently ongoing.