US Embassy: We never tried to contact DSS head

The US Embassy has denied making any attempt to contact Kerron Clarke, founder and owner of the "Drugs Sou-Sou" (DSS) scheme.

The embassy's announcement came a day after Clarke claimed he was contacted by a man purporting to be an official from the embassy asking for information on senior police officers.

During a media conference on Wednesday, Clarke said he was part of a conference call involving Police Commissioner Gary Griffith, an investigative journalist and another man who identified himself as a worker with the US Embassy.

Responding to Newsday's questions via e-mail on Thursday, US Embassy spokesman Kedenard Raymond denied the claims.

"The US Embassy in Port of Spain is aware of the reports regarding Drugs Sou-Sou (DSS), but has neither contacted nor attempted to contact its founder Kerron Clarke. Any reporting suggesting otherwise is false."

Raymond also said the embassy took note of the incident and was concerned over the allegations of police misconduct.

"Corruption is a priority issue for us. As steadfast partners of both the TT Police Service and Defence Force, we are concerned at the potential for corruption within the senior ranks."

At the media conference, Clarke said he was being used as a scapegoat by the authorities and denied media reports that he was seeking asylum in another country in exchange for providing information on rogue police officers.