Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing state of emergency has led to significant law enforcement actions, with authorities reporting 373 total arrests during the initial ten-day period. Police officials confirmed dozens of preventive detentions, including individuals who had been previously held during earlier emergency measures, though specific numbers remain undisclosed.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin provided operational updates from the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain, revealing that 39 individuals have been subjected to preventive detention orders, with judicial approval granted for 16 of these cases. Investigators are examining potential gang affiliations among detainees, including those with prior emergency detention history.
“Our investigations into gang activities are ongoing, and it would be premature to definitively identify gang leaders at this stage,” Martin stated, emphasizing the early phase of the emergency period.
The Trinidad & Tobago Police Service has executed 943 nationwide operations, resulting in 66 criminal charges. Security forces have seized 18 firearms, 949 rounds of ammunition, and substantial drug quantities including 720 grams of cocaine, over 230 kilograms of marijuana, 88 marijuana trees, and 1.45 grams of ecstasy.
Addressing community reports of unofficial curfews, Martin clarified that no official curfews have been implemented. However, she explained that emergency powers authorize police to conduct road checks, patrols, and enforcement operations in areas where intelligence indicates public safety threats. Enhanced police presence in Sangre Grande and Eastern Division communities responds to intelligence regarding gang movements, illegal firearms activity, and emerging criminal networks.
Regarding potential international cooperation, Martin declined to comment on whether US officials provided a ‘persons of interest’ list to Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander. The Minister previously acknowledged US support while citing national security concerns preventing detailed disclosures. Martin emphasized that such operational intelligence falls within the Police Commissioner’s purview and remains confidential during ongoing investigations.