The TTPS have seized over $100 million worth of marijuana following an intelligence-led exercise.

According to a statement from the TTPS: Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher said that the Service will continue to relentlessly dismantle the systems, networks and operations set up by local and international criminals, whose actions and selfish greed act as a catalyst for murders, shootings, gang violence and other serious crimes.”

She added: “This significant drug seizure proves that everyone benefits when members of the public work alongside the police.”

According to police reports, sometime in August 2023, an investigative unit of the TTPS received information that a drug trafficking network with ties to Colombian and Venezuelan cartels was operating in the South Western peninsula. Officers acted on the information and conducted rigorous surveillance, where several key members of the network were identified.

The police received certain information about a location in the Southern Division where the drug trafficking network had intentions to import a large amount of narcotics. Based on this development, the TTPS mobilized a team that coordinated an operation. At 9:00 p.m. yesterday, the team intercepted a Kia K2700 vehicle in the vicinity of Paria Suites, La Romain. When officers searched the vehicle, they found 28 plastic-wrapped bales containing 704 kilograms of high grade marijuana, with a street value of $105,473,280.

Police officers took possession of the marijuana and arrested the two occupants of the intercepted vehicle. The narcotics, vehicle and two suspects were all taken to the Marabella Police Station, where further inquiries are being conducted.

The Commissioner added, “While the TTPS is buoyed by this successful narcotics breakthrough, we have no choice but to regroup and get on the ground to find the perpetrator(s) of the multiple murder which occurred early this morning in Guanapo. Four persons all under the age of 20, including a 10-year-old child, lost their lives, while five others were wounded. Officers of the Homicide Bureau, CSI and all other relevant personnel have been deployed”.

The CoP further stated that just as someone partnered with the TTPS, which led to a massive drug seizure, she is appealing to anyone who has information that will lead to the capture of the persons responsible for shattering the lives of this family to come forward. She added “Partnering with the TTPS works, stay anonymous, stay nameless, stay unknown, but don’t stay silent”.