PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC)— The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Friday said that it had seized more than TT$136 million worth of marijuana in a secluded inlet.
The TTPS said that it partnered with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) and officers of the Northern Division, to conduct the intelligence-led operation.
“This significant drug seizure underscores the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting our nation from the threats posed by transnational criminal networks,” said acting Commissioner of Police, Junior Benjamin.
“We remain vigilant in our efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade and will continue to leverage intelligence and work closely with our local, regional, and international law enforcement partners,” he said
The police indicated that the operation was launched on Friday after the police specialist unit received information earlier from a confidential source, which indicated that a known Drug Trafficking Network (DTN) had recently imported a substantial consignment of narcotics from South America.
“The drugs were reportedly stashed in a remote, sea-accessible location in the Maracas area, pending further transshipment to other regional territories. The specialist unit quickly initiated an intelligence development process, to quickly pinpoint the suspected stash site.
“Despite rough sea conditions, the TTCG skillfully navigated marine assets to the isolated inlet, where the joint team conducted a thorough search.”
The police said that the search led to the discovery of a large stash of narcotics concealed within dense forest cover, resting on a bank area.
It said that the team seized 45 bales containing Colombian “Creepy” Cannabis, consisting of 2,250 packets with a combined weight of 1,242.9 kilograms, and an estimated street value of TT$136,404,546.
It said each bale was identically packed with 50 packets.
“The success of this operation is a testament to the strength and effectiveness of the intelligence-gathering systems within the TTPS,” said TTPS Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence and Investigations, Suzette Martin.