The TTPS arrested 16 suspects and seized two illegal firearms, a large cache of ammunition and over seven kilogrammes of cannabis during a well-orchestrated, intelligence-based operation that started on June 28 and concluded around 8 am on June 29.

According to the TTPS, officers of the Southern Division through strategic surveillance and focused intelligence gathering paid to several areas in the Marabella and Gasparillo districts, which resulted in the collation of pertinent information.

Using the intelligence gathered, Sgt Noyan, Cpl Mohammed, A/Cpl Nanan and a party of officers attached to the Marabella Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Gasparillo CID, Southern Division Operations Unit, Southern Division Task Force (SDTF) and Canine Unit proceeded to an abandoned wooden, two-storey structure located at Thorne Hill, Cocoyea.

The team conducted a search in the mentioned area and found several packets and bags containing cannabis, which when weighed amounted to seven kilogrammes.

Further checks were carried out inside the said house, which led to the discovery of one AR rifle, one 5.56 magazine, two silencers, one scope, and over 75 rounds of various ammunition. The mentioned items were seized and taken to the Marabella Police Station. PC Basdeo is continuing enquires Re found items.

The team also executed several search warrants at various locations within the Southern Division and targeted several persons wanted for outstanding crimes, which resulted in the arrest of six persons. Three suspects were arrested for Wounding, one for Wounding with Intent to Cause Grievous Bodily Harm, another for Robbery with Violence and Kidnapping, while the sixth was detained for Possession of 515 grammes of cannabis.

Ten persons were also arrested during an extensive warrant exercise during the operation. Additionally, around 7 pm on Wednesday, A/Cpl Bahadur, PC Weekes, PC Ramjattan and PC Ramcharn, acting on intelligence proceeded to an abandoned house at Byron Street, La Romaine. During a search of the premises, the officers discovered one .38 Special revolver in a black plastic bag, hidden under an old sheet of plywood. A/Cpl Bahadur is continuing enquiries.

This successful operation was part of an initiative which was coordinated by Snr Supt Richard Smith, ASP Jaikaran, Insp Phillip, Sgt Bacchus and Sgt Reid to detect and curb serious crimes in the Southern Division.