Sophia man held in sting op

– reportedly tried to bribe cop

A 39-year-old man was arrested during a sting operation on Friday after he allegedly tried to bribe a police officer with $500,000 to secure the release of his son, who had been arrested last week over the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to a police press release, the man who hails from Sophia was taken into custody after the police set up a sting operation and caught him attempting to bribe a policeman with $500,000 to release his 19-year-old son. The cash, according to the police, has been lodged as it will be an exhibit in the court case.

The man’s son, the police said, was arrested in connection with the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The teenager was reportedly one of two men who dropped an unlicensed .32 pistol and five rounds on Vlissengen Road last Tuesday after they were chased by police.

Information reaching this newspaper revealed that the police were on patrol duty in the area when they noticed the duo on a motorcycle. How-ever, as they approached them, the men threw the firearm to the ground and fled the scene.

The firearm and ammunition were recovered, and the 19-year-old was subsequently caught and arrested .