The Ministry of Homeland Security is stepping up efforts to account for state-owned firearms and ammunition following a series of high-profile crimes.
Speaking in the House of Representatives on Friday, Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, revealed that dozens of firearms have already been recovered, while a new marking system for police ammunition is set to be completed this month, ensuring every round issued can be traced.
Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander told the House of Representatives on Friday that 44 firearms and significant quantities of ammunition have been recovered so far, following the murder of WPC Anuska Eversley.
He also confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago Police Service ammunition was recovered at a recent murder scene in Arouca.
To address this, the Minister said an ammunition-marking system is being finalized, to ensure every TTPS issued ammunition is traceable.
“At this time, I’m advised by the Commissioner of Police and his team that there’s a project presently engaging the TTPS since 2025 to replace all existing ammunition with a marking that will be able to identify for the purpose of tracing and accountability. This exercise will be completed on the 8th of May this year.”
The Minister also disclosed a historical security vulnerability involving TTPS ammunition loaned to Municipal Police divisions.
He reassured Parliament that new, stricter controls are now in place at Municipal Police Stations nationwide.
“It has been anticipated that there may be an historical security vulnerability in relation to TTPS ammunition that have been on loan to the Municipal police since 2019. In response the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has implemented additional measures to strengthen the control, storage and monitoring of firearm and ammunition at the Municipal Police Station.”
Turning to public safety concerns in the capital, Minister Alexander described the recent murder of a Ministry of Health employee at the Queen’s Park Savannah as a matter of “grave national concern.”
He said residents and visitors can expect a significantly heightened police presence in the area as investigations continue.
“Additional foot, mobile, and intelligence-led patrons will be focused on that particular area. Mr. Speaker, the Homicide Bureau of Investigation is also pursuing certain leads. They got information, intelligence, and evidence that could assist the matter in going forward.”
The Minister was speaking during Friday’s sitting of the House of Representatives.