Seven people arrested recently in police operations have appeared in court, after being charged with various offences under the Anti-Gang Act No. 4 of 2021. Of the seven accused, two were denied bail.
The recent police operations were initiated by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence and Investigation, Suzette Martin, who reiterated the Police Service’s commitment to “intensifying the fight against gang violence and the use of social media platforms by gangs to promote criminal activities.”
“We are committed to maintaining the safety and security of our citizens by acting decisively against those who seek to disrupt public order and threaten the well-being of our society,” DCP Martin said in a TTPS statement on the arrests.
She added: “The TTPS will continue to be the gatekeepers of society, standing firm against criminal activities and ensuring justice is served.”
The TTPS reports that an intelligence-led operation was successfully carried out on June 12, 2024, in the North Central Division.
Three people were arrested in the operation, which was coordinated by Assistant Commissioner of Police Subero, Senior Superintendents Smith and Paponette and supervised by Cpl. Scipio.
The suspects were subsequently charged with several offences under T&T’s anti-gang laws.
● Trae Belle, alias 'Tokeii', 22, of Five Rivers, Arouca, was charged with:
a. Professing to be a gang member to intimidate other persons - Section 5(1)(d)(ii)
b. Professing to be a gang member to promote a Gang - Section 5(1)(d)(iii)
c. Being a Gang Member - Section 5(1)(a).
● Nehemiah Joseph, alias 'Flappy', 20, of Second Trace, Tunapuna, was charged with: a. Being a Gang Member - Section 5(1)(a).
● Marquel Farnum, alias 'Kel', 24, of Maingot Road, Tunapuna, was charged with: a. Being a Gang Member - Section 5(1)(a)
The TTPS reports that Trae Belle and Nehemiah Joseph were denied bail, while Marquel Farnum was granted bail with surety for $75,000, to be approved by the registrar of the Supreme Court.
The matters were heard on Friday (June 21, 2024) before Master DeSilva at the Tunapuna Masters Court and have been adjourned to July 5, 2024.
Meanwhile, on June 18, 2024, four people were arrested and detained in connection with a video published on YouTube on May 9, following an investigation spearheaded by Senior Superintendent Christopher Paponette, with legal guidance from Attorney at Law, Corporal Zaheer Ali.
In the video, the individuals were seen making verbal threats, using physical gestures, and brandishing objects resembling firearms and ammunition with the intent to intimidate others, promote a gang, and profess gang membership.
The four suspects were subsequently charged.
Their matter was heard yesterday, June 20, 2024, and all accused were granted bail in the sum of $80,000 with a cash alternative of $10,000.
The accused are to report to a particular police station once per week.
The next hearing is scheduled for June 28, 2024, at Port-of-Spain
● Jabari Murrell, 26, of 2nd Caledonia, Morvant, was charged with: - Professing to be a gang member to intimidate other persons - Section 5(1)(d)(ii)
- Professing to be a gang member to promote a gang - Section 5(1)(d)(iii)
- Professing to be a gang member - Section 5(1)(b)
● Christian Collins, 28, of 2nd Caledonia, Morvant, was charged with:
- Professing to be a gang member to intimidate other persons - Section
5(1)(d)(ii)
- Professing to be a gang member to promote a gang - Section 5(1)(d)(iii)
- Professing to be a gang member - Section 5(1)(b)
● Brandon Cyrus, age 20, of 2nd Caledonia, Morvant, was charged with:
- Professing to be a gang member to intimidate other persons - Section
5(1)(d)(ii)
- Professing to be a gang member - Section 5(1)(b)
● Codi Alves, 44, of Caledonia Road, Morvant, was charged with:
- Professing to be a gang member to intimidate other persons - Section
5(1)(d)(ii)
- Professing to be a gang member to promote a gang - Section 5(1)(d)(iii)
- Professing to be a gang member - Section 5(1)(b)