Police have arrested five crew members of a vessel in connection with the seizure of 157 packets of cocaine valued at TT$254,027,980.80.
A statement from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service on Friday said the successful interception and seizure of the narcotics, which were expertly concealed within a deeply sealed compartment aboard a shipping vessel, was as a result of a strategic collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Port of Spain Office, US JIATF South, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG), and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
According to the TTPS, DCP Intelligence and Investigations Suzette Martin coordinated the police operations after an intelligence unit of the TTPS received information that a shipping vessel, which had journeyed from Guyana to Trinidad, was carrying a substantial quantity of narcotics under the guise of legitimate cargo destined for St. Martin.
The TTPS promptly confirmed the vessel’s arrival in Trinidad on February 25th, 2025, and in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, a rigorous surveillance operation was initiated, monitoring the vessel’s activities and movements closely.
On Tuesday, March 11th, 2025, the vessel was observed receiving large shipments of various goods, and clearance was granted for the vessel’s departure to St. Martin that afternoon. However, the crew altered their departure schedule, setting sail during the early hours of Wednesday, March 12th, 2025, which aroused the suspicion of the officers who continued to track the vessel’s movements. The vessel was eventually intercepted by the TTCG in open waters and escorted to Staubles Bay, where the TTPS deployed specialised resources, including a highly trained canine unit, to conduct an exhaustive search.
Over a meticulous two-day inspection, a concealed, sealed compartment was discovered within the vessel. This led to the seizure of 157 packets of cocaine, weighing a combined total of 182.24 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of TT$254,027,980.80. The five crew members aboard were arrested in connection with the trafficking attempt.
Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin commended the officers and agencies involved in the operation.
“This seizure not only disrupts the illicit operations of organised crime but also sends a strong message of our unwavering commitment to national security and combating transnational organised crime. Our law enforcement teams remain resolute in their efforts to safeguard our nation and dismantle criminal networks that threaten our communities.”
Investigations are ongoing as the TTPS intensifies efforts to dismantle the criminal network responsible for this illegal operation.