July 9, 2024
Drug Bust: Over $4.5 Million In Cocaine Concealed Inside Hair Products
(Official Police Statement)
In a major breakthrough, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) executed an intelligence-led operation today, resulting in the seizure of over $4.5 million worth of cocaine and the arrest of a key suspect.
The operation stems from credible intelligence developed by the TTPS in 2023, which uncovered the operations of a sophisticated drug trafficking network based in South Trinidad. This network allegedly imported illegal narcotics from South America, concealed them within legitimate cargo, and exported them to various international destinations using local courier services.
Following multiple arrests and significant seizures over the past year, the TTPS intelligence unit recently received information about an impending narcotics shipment.
Acting on this intelligence, officers identified a vehicle linked to the drug trafficking network.
On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, during a surveillance operation, the vehicle was spotted travelling along roads in the North Eastern Division. With operational support from the Northern Division Police, the officers intercepted the vehicle as it travelled eastward along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway near the Grand Bazaar shopping centre.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered several containers of hair cream, which, upon field testing, revealed the presence of cocaine. The officers seized a total of 3.25 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4,530,240. The driver, a man from Point Fortin, was arrested and taken to the San Raphael Police Station for further inquiries.
Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood-Christopher stated, “Intelligence gathering is the cornerstone of effective policing. It allows us to anticipate and disrupt criminal activities before they can inflict harm on our communities. The success of this operation underscores how critical intelligence is in our fight against crime.”