KENT PANTRY, Q.C., the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), received from the police yesterday the files on which to direct investigations to determine if illicit wiretapping, drug-trafficking and acts of corruption have taken place within high levels of the Jamaica Constabulary.
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson disclosed this yesterday in bringing the House of Representatives up-to-date on what had happened since Friday night when he announced all statements, documents, tapes and other information would be turned over to the DPP for his ruling in the wake of allegations that the phones of some senior police officers had been tapped illegally and by others that some senior policemen have been assisting Colombian cocaine dealers in trafficking the drug here.
"The present investigations now under the direction of the DPP are expected to reveal whether any illicit wire-tap took place, as alleged, or at all and if so, against whom," the Prime Minister said yesterday.
"To find out if it did, who authorised it and what are the consequences which flow, whether they be penal and/or administrative.
"If tapes do exist we expect that they be produced or unearthed," Mr. Patterson told the House.
He said the national interest demanded "we get to the root of criminal activity and eradicate it wherever it may exist or whatever it may seek to harbour".
The Prime Minister said no nation could afford to ignore the allegations which had been in circulation in recent weeks "and must for its own safety take whatever steps seem necessary to establish the truth and dispel whatever cannot be substantiated".
"The nation needs to get clear, unequivocal answers after thorough and uncompromising investigation. Wherever these investigations lead, they must be relentlessly followed, regardless of who is implicated," Mr. Patterson said.
He said he had focused his attention on the illegal wire-tapping allegations because if illegality had occurred "it must be proved and dealt with according to law".
"But that having been said, it is also the case that, if the DPP uncovers evidence of corruption or serious crime involving anyone, then the pursuit of those who are implicated must lead to their being brought to trial, and, if found guilty, punished according to law," he said.
