With over 300 people arrested since the beginning of the current State of Emergency (SOE), Deputy Commissioner of Police and Gold Commander for the SOE Suzette Martin has assured that the operations conducted by police target criminal elements and not communities.
Speaking at a TTPS Media Briefing on Friday, she said that the State of Emergency is about ‘restoring safety, restoring confidence, and restoring order across Trinidad and Tobago.’
“To date, we have 943 operations, 373 persons arrested, 66 persons charged, 39 persons for preventative detention orders, 16 of these orders approved, 18 firearms recovered, 949 ammunition recovered, 720 grammes of cocaine, 230.585 kilogrammes of marijuana, 88 cannabis trees, and 1.45 grammes of ecstasy.”
She dismissed claims that selected communities have been placed under curfew.
“I’m also aware of reports suggesting that an official curfew is being enforced in certain communities. Let me state clearly: there is no unofficial curfew. However, under Emergency Powers regulations, officers are authorised to conduct patrols, road checks, and enforcement exercises where intelligence indicates a threat to public safety. These actions are lawful and necessary and will continue.”
An increased police presence across the country will continue to further dismantle criminal activities.
“During this State of Emergency, police presence will be significantly increased in identified crime hotspots. Intelligence-driven operations will continue day and night. Individuals involved in gang activity, violent crime, and illegal firearms possession will be specifically targeted. These operations are designed to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the criminal networks that threaten the safety of our nation.”
DCP Martin affirmed the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s commitment to protecting every citizen in all communities without fear or favour.