Between the hours of 7:00 p.m. on September 28th and 5:45 a.m. on September 29th, 2025, a coordinated intelligence-led operation was executed in the vicinity of the Arouca Maximum Security Prison. The exercise was directed by Commissioner of Police, Allister Guevarro, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations Suzette Martin, ASP Stanley, and Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Lee Davis. It involved officers from the Special Investigative Unit, Multi Operational Police Section, Crime Scene Unit, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Specialist Units, Fusion Centre, and other intelligence entities.

Acting on credible intelligence regarding the aerial delivery of prohibited items via drone, officers conducted a targeted operation during which three (3) suspects were apprehended approximately 50 meters from the prison wall. A substantial quantity of contraband was seized, including narcotics, cigarettes, drone equipment, and communication devices.

Simultaneous searches within the prison uncovered further illicit items across multiple cells within the MSP. The operation also included the search of a known offender’s premises under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025, and the impounding of a vehicle suspected to be linked to the smuggling attempt.

The exercise was incident-free and remains under active investigation. Commissioner Guevarro issued the following statement:

“I commend all officers and units involved in last night’s joint operation for their exceptional coordination, discipline, and tactical precision. Your swift, intelligence-led response disrupted a sophisticated smuggling attempt and led to the recovery of a significant cache of contraband both outside and within the Arouca Maximum Security Prison”.

“The prison continues to be a major point of concern for law enforcement, as organized gangs and their leadership networks struggle to adapt to the dynamic precision of our intelligence-driven policing strategies. This exercise reinforces our commitment to institutional integrity and public safety. You have my full respect and appreciation.”

Mr. Hayden Forde, Commissioner of Prisons (Ag.) has expressed profound satisfaction and gratitude for the successful execution of this critical intelligence-led operation.

“I extend my sincerest commendation to all officers and personnel from the collaborating agencies, led by Commissioner of Police, Allister Guevarro,” stated Acting Commissioner Forde. “This operation is a tangible representation of the strength and resolve we possess when we unify our national security resources. The arrests made and the significant amount of contraband seized, both in the vicinity and within the Maximum Security Prison, deliver a powerful and unambiguous message: the illicit trade that threatens the safety of our facilities will not be tolerated.”

Further updates will be provided as investigations continue. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service remains resolute in its mission to safeguard national security and uphold the rule of law.