A 46-year-old man from east Trinidad, who placed a hoax call to police about a pending terrorist attack on Trincity Mall on Thursday, will remain in police custody this weekend.
The suspect, who was arrested by police hours after placing the call to the T&T Police Service (TTPS) Command Centre, remained detained at an undisclosed police station in east Trinidad up to last night.
The T&T Guardian understands that the suspect was first interrogated by detectives of the Special Branch before being handed over to investigators from the Northern Division, who are expected to lay charges this weekend.
In addition to a charge for the wasteful employment of police time, investigators are said to also be considering a charge under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
A release from the Office of the Attorney General issued yesterday stated that section 21 of the legislation makes it an offence to knowingly communicate false information of an explosive or toxic device, or a weapon of mass destruction. The offence carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment, the release said.
According to police, around 11.45 am on Thursday, the centre received the reported threat from the suspect. Police responded to the mall, which was evacuated by its management, and took three hours to search and clear the building.
The suspect was arrested after the call was traced to his cellphone with the assistance of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).
Investigations are continuing.