News today that on December 30th, 2025, US Embassy personnel working with local law enforcement carried out a joint operation that led to the arrest of three Trinidad and Tobago nationals on drug and firearms-related charges in the United States.
The US Embassy confirmed that members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Vetted Unit, supported by the TTPS Special Investigative Unit and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit, executed three provisional arrest warrants.
Arrested were Rafael Joseph, Michael McSween, and Clevon Persad. It is reported that Joseph is an active-duty police officer with the TTPS.
According to US officials, the three men are charged in the Eastern District of New York with conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, along with firearms offences linked to a 2024 DEA investigation supported by the DEA’s New York Field Division.
US Embassy and DEA officials described the arrests as the result of close bilateral cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at disrupting drug trafficking, firearms smuggling, and public corruption.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said, “This was a great example of bilateral cooperation between our two countries and a significant blow to not only drug and firearms trafficking, but also against public corruption with the arrest of the police officer. The outstanding cooperation between the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Vetted Unit and SIU and TOCU shows the multiplier power of agencies of both of our great countries working together.”
Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro also confirmed the arrest of a member of the TTPS: “I can confirm that close collaboration with United States law enforcement authorities has resulted in the successful arrest of a TTPS member who is now awaiting deportation. This joint operation reflects the strength of our international partnerships and our unwavering commitment to accountability at every level of the organisation. The TTPS remains resolute in upholding the highest standards of integrity, and we will continue to work with our global counterparts to ensure that anyone who betrays the public trust is brought to justice.”
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda said, “This operation reflects the strength of true bilateral partnership. The successful execution of these provisional arrest warrants by the Trinidad and Tobago Vetted Unit, with support from SIU and TOCU, sends a clear message: no one is above the law. Together, we are not only dismantling drug and firearms trafficking networks, but also confronting public corruption head-on. When trusted partnerships stand united, our communities are safer and justice prevails.”