分类： society

In a series of coordinated anti-narcotics operations, Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement authorities have successfully intercepted substantial quantities of illicit drugs with a combined street value exceeding $67 million. The most significant seizure occurred in Central Trinidad, where specialized police units confiscated over 413 kilograms of high-potency Colombian marijuana known as “Creepy” strain.

The operation, conducted between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM on Wednesday, was executed by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) with support from the Inter-Agency Task Force. Acting on precise intelligence, officers raided a residential property under the Emergency Powers Regulation of 2025, discovering ten crocus bags and five garbage bags filled with compressed marijuana packets. The confiscated narcotics, with an estimated value of $47.6 million, represent one of the largest single drug seizures in recent operations.

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro personally commended the operating teams, emphasizing the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration. “Today’s operations demonstrated the power of true teamwork across our units,” Guevarro stated. “Your skill, discipline, and initiative were evident in every task, enabling the precise and professional execution of complex missions.”

Earlier the same day, SIU officers conducted a separate operation along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, intercepting a vehicle containing 40 packets of the same Colombian strain weighing approximately 20.74 kilograms, valued at $4.4 million. This interception resulted in the arrest of the driver.

These operations followed another significant drug bust at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago, where authorities seized $16 million worth of cocaine and apprehended two female suspects.

The term “Creepy” marijuana refers to a potent variant developed in Colombia’s Cauca region from genetic stock originally native to the United States and Europe. This strain contains THC concentrations 15-25% higher than traditional marijuana, producing more intense psychoactive effects. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for marijuana’s characteristic high.

All seized evidence remains in police custody as investigations continue, with multiple suspects currently in custody facing drug trafficking charges.

In a heartwarming gesture to celebrate the Yuletide season, Dr Roodal Moonilal, Member of Parliament for Oropouche East and Minister of Energy, provided financial assistance to nine primary schools within his constituency. On November 26, at his constituency office in Debe, Dr Moonilal presented representatives from these schools with what he described as a ‘token of help.’ These funds are intended to support the schools in organizing Christmas treats, snack bags, and other festive activities. While the exact amount of the financial aid was not disclosed, the MP emphasized the importance of supporting community initiatives during the holiday season. Dr Moonilal explained that his office receives numerous requests for assistance from schools, temples, churches, and other organizations each year. Although he acknowledged the challenges of attending every event, he expressed his willingness to make brief appearances when possible. The schools that benefited from this initiative include Monkey Town Government, Debe SDMS, Mohess Road SDMS, Ramai Trace SDMS, Debe Presbyterian, Canaan Presbyterian, Hermitage Presbyterian, Picton Presbyterian, and Cedar Grove Private Primary. Representatives from these schools expressed their gratitude, with one stating that the support would ‘go a long way in putting smiles on many faces.’

A recent visit to the Ministry of Legal Affairs’ office on Leotaud Street in San Fernando has sparked outrage over the deplorable state of the facilities and the inefficient processes faced by the public. Jenieve Alexander, who visited the office in October to process a death certificate, described the experience as deeply distressing. The public toilet facilities were in a shocking state of disrepair, with a rotted and hollow door that could not hold a lock or handle. The toilet itself was dirty, unstable, and lacked basic amenities like tissue paper, while a strong odor of urine permeated the area. The process of obtaining the death certificate was equally frustrating. Individuals were required to shuttle back and forth between the San Fernando Teaching Hospital and the Leotaud Street office. At the hospital, clients were forced to share children’s tables with the Medical Social Work Department, often being told they could not wait or sit in certain areas. Staff members intermittently distributed forms and provided guidance, but the wait times averaged 45 minutes to an hour. The behavior of the ministry’s staff was described as appalling, with names of the deceased being shouted from the office door and staff members displaying rude and dismissive attitudes. After completing the hospital process, individuals had to return to the Leotaud Street office to finalize the transaction, pay, and collect the death certificate. Alexander questioned whether such an inefficient and inconsiderate process was acceptable for grieving families. She expressed disappointment in the discourteous behavior of public officers and raised concerns about the negative impact on the ministry’s public image. Alexander called for immediate action to address the infrastructural, behavioral, and procedural issues at the ministry to better serve the citizens.

A significant operation at the Maximum Security Prison (MSP) in Arouca on November 25 revealed a substantial cache of contraband items concealed within the prison’s air vent system. The raid, conducted between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM, was part of an intelligence-driven initiative involving multiple units from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Prisons Service. The operation was coordinated by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, Acting Commissioner of Prisons Hayden Forde, Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin, and other senior officers. Senior Superintendent of Prisons Lee Davis led the effort, supported by specialized units including the Northern North Gang Unit and the Prison Emergency Response Unit. The search uncovered an extensive array of illicit items, including cell phones, drugs, weapons, and various electronic devices. Acting Prisons Commissioner Forde highlighted the ongoing challenges in combating contraband, particularly through drone deliveries, and stressed the urgent need for drone interception technology. He emphasized the severe risks posed by these items, which could fuel criminal activities both inside and outside the prison. Despite the lack of immediate arrests, investigations into the smuggling network continue. Forde urged prison officers to remain vigilant and committed to their mission of ensuring public safety.

Independent Senator Alicia Lalite-Ettienne, who is legally blind, has made a compelling call for the government to fulfill its constitutional and international obligations towards persons with disabilities. During a Senate session on November 26, she tabled a private members’ motion, marking the first such motion in the current session. Lalite-Ettienne emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategic plan, including a legislative framework, to dismantle barriers faced by disabled citizens within the next year. She criticized the existing national policy as ineffective, likening it to ‘a dog with no teeth,’ and stressed the necessity of enforceable legislation to protect against discrimination and ill-treatment. Lalite-Ettienne highlighted ongoing societal barriers in education, banking, housing, and social services, and reminded the government of its previous commitments to empower the disabled community. In response, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit assured that the Persons with Disabilities Bill is in development and will soon be reviewed by the legislative committee. Mohit also detailed increased disability support through higher grant allocations, rental assistance, minor house repair grants, educational support, and funding for small businesses under the SEED programme. She provided figures showing significant financial support to adults and children with disabilities and announced the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to review the Standard Means Test following complaints. The debate on the motion was adjourned to prioritize the Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025.

Tobago authorities are pursuing a homicide investigation following the fatal stabbing of American tourist Christopher Brown in the coastal village of Castara. The 44-year-old Colorado resident was ambushed on a darkened pathway off Depot Road Wednesday night, allegedly by a 26-year-old Scarborough man who mistakenly identified him as a romantic rival.

According to homicide investigators, the suspect had attended a weekly drumming session on Castara’s beachfront where he confronted his girlfriend about her apparent interaction with another attendee. Leaving in anger, the man reportedly concealed himself along an unlit track where he later attacked Brown with multiple stab wounds, leaving the weapon embedded in the victim’s back.

Police confirmed the assailant contacted his girlfriend afterward, apparently believing Brown was the individual who had sparked their earlier argument. Authorities note the actual person of interest shared similar physical characteristics with the deceased tourist.

Brown had been vacationing with his girlfriend at Castara Retreats resort and was scheduled to return to Colorado Thursday. Following the beach gathering, he had inexplicably returned toward the drumming session alone shortly before the attack.

Tourism Secretary Tashia Burris condemned the violence as a “horrific act” while emphasizing Castara’s historically safe environment. Local tourism association president Bertill Taylor expressed community trauma, stressing the perpetrator was an outsider from Rockly Vale. Taylor highlighted longstanding infrastructure concerns regarding Depot Road, which lacks lighting and maintenance despite being a frequent access route to Little Bay beach.

The incident marks Tobago’s ninth homicide this year, occurring just days after another fatal shooting in Mason Hall. Tourism representatives expressed concern about the season’s already declining bookings, hoping the tragedy wouldn’t further deter visitors to what they describe as a vibrant, community-policed destination.