Over $254 Million Worth of Cocaine Seized Aboard Shipping Vessel Originating From Guyana
According to Commissioner of Police, Ag. Junior Benjamin, “I extend my heartfelt commendation to all Officers and agencies involved in this exemplary operation, which underscores the power of real-time intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration. This seizure not only disrupts the illicit operations of organized crime but also sends a strong message of our unwavering commitment to national security and combatting trans-national organized crime. Our law enforcement teams remain resolute in their efforts to safeguard our nation and dismantle criminal networks that threaten our communities.”
This follows an intelligence-driven operation, executed in strategic collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Port-of-Spain Office, US JIATF South, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG), and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), which culminated in the successful interception and seizure of a substantial quantity of cocaine, valued at over $250 million. The narcotics were expertly concealed within a deeply-sealed compartment aboard a shipping vessel.
In a Media Release today (Friday 14th March, 2025), they TTPS said DCP Intelligence and Investigations, Suzette Martin, co-ordinated the Police operations after an intelligence unit of the TTPS received information which indicated that a shipping vessel, which had journeyed from Guyana to Trinidad, was carrying a substantial quantity of narcotics under the guise of legitimate cargo destined for St. Martin.
The TTPS said it promptly confirmed the vessel’s arrival in Trinidad on 25th February, 2025, and in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, a rigorous surveillance operation was initiated, monitoring the vessel’s activities and movements closely.
On Tuesday (11th March, 2025), the vessel was observed receiving large shipments of various goods. Although these appeared routine, the vessel remained under tight observation. Clearance was granted for the vessel's departure to St. Martin that afternoon; however, the crew altered their departure schedule, setting sail during the early hours of Wednesday (12th March, 2025), which aroused the suspicion of the Officers.
The TTPS added, “This unexpected change intensified law enforcement scrutiny. Agencies strategically tracked the vessel's movements, prepared to intervene should any illicit activity be detected. The vessel was eventually intercepted by the TTCG in open waters and escorted to Staubles Bay in Chaguaramas. Here, the TTPS deployed specialized resources, including a highly-trained canine unit, to conduct an exhaustive search. Over a meticulous two-day inspection, a concealed, sealed compartment was discovered within the vessel. This led to the seizure of 157 packets of cocaine, weighing a combined total of 182.24 kilograms, with an estimated street value of TT $254,027,980.80. Five (5) crew members aboard were arrested in connection with the trafficking attempt.
The Media Release concluded by saying, “Investigations are ongoing as the TTPS intensifies efforts to dismantle the criminal network responsible for this illegal operation.”
More on this as it becomes available.
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