A major anti-illicit trade initiative, dubbed “DUNWICH 5/2026,” has resulted in the seizure of more than 2,700 illicit and unsafe items across the South Oropouche Police District, including illegal cigarettes, counterfeit branded clothing, unregistered pharmaceuticals and defective consumer products.
The coordinated operation, conducted on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, led to the seizure of 1,016 unregistered male enhancement and assorted pharmaceutical products, 940 illicit cigarettes, 470 illicit electrical and consumer items, and 320 counterfeit brand-name clothing articles.
At approximately 11:20am, investigators carried out inspections at a supermarket along the Southern Main Road in South Oropouche. During the exercise, officers discovered and seized counterfeit clothing bearing the logos of internationally recognised brands, counterfeit cellular accessories, uncertified electrical products, defective imported matches and unregistered pharmaceutical items, including male enhancement pills and supplements.
Authorities also identified several electrical, fire and occupational safety breaches at the establishment. The proprietor was warned and instructed to rectify the deficiencies within a specified timeframe.
Later, at approximately 2:05 p.m., officers proceeded to another supermarket in Pepper Village, Fyzabad, where additional illicit cigarettes, counterfeit apparel, uncertified electrical products and unregistered pharmaceutical items were found and confiscated.
Investigators further identified multiple fire and safety violations at the establishment, including locked emergency exits, exposed electrical wiring and the absence of a valid fire safety certificate. Notices were issued to the proprietor directing corrective action.
At approximately 4:00 p.m., officers attached to the Multi-Agency Task Force, assisted by the South Western Division Task Force, executed a search warrant at a residence on Eric Joseph Street, Mon Desir Road, Dow Village. The operation was conducted based on intelligence received regarding the suspected storage of illicit tobacco products.
Investigations remain ongoing into the origin and distribution networks associated with the seized items. Authorities are also pursuing potential offences under the Tobacco Control Act, Trademark Act and Standards Act.
Officials from the Chemistry Food and Drugs Division warned that several of the seized male enhancement products may contain unsafe and unregulated chemical substances, including Sildenafil, which can pose serious health risks if misused or consumed without proper medical supervision.
The multi-agency operation involved personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Multi-Agency Task Force and South Western Division Task Force, the Ministry of Health’s Chemistry Food and Drugs Division, the Ministry of Finance’s Customs and Excise Division, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, the Ministry of Labour’s OSHA Division, the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service Fire Prevention Division, and the Ministry of Public Utilities’ Government Electrical Inspectorate.
The exercise was conducted under the overall supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Intelligence and Investigations) Natasha George.
The TTPS and its partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment to combating illicit trade, removing unsafe products from circulation, and safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of citizens throughout Trinidad and Tobago.