Officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) made a major blow to the illegal drug trade, when they seized approximately 416.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, with an estimated street value of TT$193,522,560, during an intelligence-led exercise in the Longdenville Police District.
The operation was conducted from 3:40 a.m. on Wednesday 2nd September, 2026 to 3:30 a.m. on Thursday 3rd September, 2026. It was coordinated by Ag. ACP Criminal Division, Kerwin Francis, with operational leadership provided by Ag. ASP St. Clair.
Police enquiries centred on the suspected concealment of illegal firearms and narcotics at premises along Pokhor Road, Longdenville.
Acting under the authority of Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2026, officers proceeded to the identified premises and conducted a careful and systematic search of the residence, warehouse and surrounding compound for firearms, narcotics and other prohibited items.
During the search, officers observed six large backhoe tyres mounted on rims inside the warehouse. A closer examination revealed rectangular packages concealed within four of the tyres. In total, 420 packages were discovered and seized.
A 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands was arrested on suspicion of offences connected with the seizure, while two Saint Lucian nationals, aged 38 and 37, were also detained.
Ag. ASP St. Clair subsequently visited the scene, while PC Naipaul and No. PC Frankbull, of the Central Division Crime Scene Investigations Unit, processed the location.
With the assistance of Customs and Excise officers Mr Ramsaran, Ms De Leon and Ms James, the 420 packages were weighed and recorded as having a combined weight of approximately 416.5 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of $193,522,560.
The seized items were subsequently conveyed to the Special Investigations Unit in Port of Spain. The three detained persons were thereafter conveyed to the St Joseph Police Station pending further enquiries.
Investigations are continuing.
