13-Year-Old Boy Held For Drone-Based Contraband Smuggling Attempt Near Arouca Maximum Security Prison
A co-ordinated intelligence-led operation involving multiple arms of national security was successfully executed in the Northern Division between the hours of 6:30 PM on Friday (3rd October, 2025), and 5:00 AM on Saturday (4th October, 2025).
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the operation was spearheaded by Commissioner of Police, Mr. Allister Guevarro, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ms. Suzette Martin, and Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Mr. Lee Davis.
Personnel from the TTPS, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) Specialist Units, the Port-of-Spain Task Force, the Multi Operational Police Section, the Crime Scene Unit, the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, and the Special Investigative Unit, were mobilized as part of the joint effort.
Acting on credible intelligence regarding individuals attempting to smuggle contraband into the Arouca Maximum Security Prison using a drone, Officers proceeded to the Forde Street Extension, Bon Air area, where surveillance was conducted.
A search of a nearby bushy area resulted in the arrest of two (2) male suspects, who attempted to flee by running through dense vegetation and leaping from a 25-foot embankment.
A 13-year-old young man of Oropune Gardens and a 26-year-old of Tunapuna were subsequently apprehended following a targeted search of a river in the area.
The following items were confiscated during the operation:
- 1,050 grams of cannabis.
- 256 packs of Lucky Strike cigarettes.
- 15 Samsung cell phones.
- 2 LCD screens.
- 1 DJI drone and controller.
- 16 drone batteries.
- 7 rolls of thread.
- 1 power bank.
- 12 charging blocks.
- 20 packs of Mangalore hemp.
- 12 lighters.
- 50 packs of Bambu rolling paper.
- 1 digital scale.
- 16 wired headsets.
- 1 wireless headset.
- 15 USB cables.
- 4 nail clippers.
- 1 flick knife.
- 1 nail file.
In addition, the TTPS said a premises located off Forde Lane was searched under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025. No illegal items were found at that location.
A male suspect sustained injuries during his escape attempt and was treated at a medical facility.
Simultaneously, a search was conducted at the Arouca Maximum Security Prison, which led to the discovery and seizure of a further quantity of contraband.
Investigations are continuing under the supervision of Ag. Cpl. Hyde.
The TTPS, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, said it “remains committed to disrupting criminal networks and safeguarding our correctional institutions from illegal activities.”
More on this as it becomes available.
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