Anna-Lisa Paul
Senior Reporter
anna-lisa.paul@guardian.co.tt
Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Junior Benjamin has reinforced the warning that the authorities will not tolerate any breaches of the law.
In a statement dated March 16, following a special operation in Central Trinidad during which a cache of weapons was seized, he said, “This operation highlights the dedication and intelligence-driven approach of our law enforcement teams. I commend the efforts of all agencies involved in this seizure for their swift and coordinated response, which led to the removal of dangerous firearms from our streets.”
He assured, “We remain relentless in our pursuit of those who threaten public safety and will continue to dismantle criminal networks with precision and force. Let this serve as a clear message—there is no place for organised crime in our communities.”
Following the intelligence-driven operation conducted by a specialist unit with tactical support from the Southern Division Task Force (SDTF) under the supervision of Snr Supt Rodhill Kirk, three suspects were arrested.
The operation, which was co-ordinated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence and Investigations, Suzette Martin, was launched on March 15, after officers received credible information which indicated that several armed individuals were gathered at a house at Shawfield Drive, Edinburgh Village, Chaguanas.
It was alleged the group had been preparing to launch an attack on a rival gang.
When they arrived, the officers saw a white Toyota Aqua parked on the pavement, with a group of men standing around it.
They initiated a vehicle interception, and the men were detained.
When the officers opened the trunk of the car, they saw a large cache of firearms.
They seized the weapons and detained a 22-year-old man from Seventh Street, Edinburgh 500; a 43-year-old man from Fifth Street, Springland, Gasparillo; and a 20-year-old man from Cacandee Road, Felicity, Chaguanas.