73-Year-Old Woman Kidnapped From San Juan Home, Rescued At Sea In Multi-Agency Operation
A 73-year-old kidnapping victim was successfully rescued late last night (Wednesday 25th March, 2026), following a co-ordinated intelligence-led operation which resulted in the interception of a vessel and the arrest of eight (8) individuals.
The victim has been identified as 73-year-old landlord Tara Poliah, who was abducted by a Venezuelan tenant and several accomplices from her home along Don Miguel Road in San Juan, shortly after 7:00 PM. Poliah’s kidnapping was captured on CCTV footage, which also showed her abductors bundling her into a white Nissan AD wagon (PEA 3592), before fleeing the scene in a Northerly direction. She was rescued from a vessel at sea several hours later.
According to the footage, one of the Venezuelan suspects, who was renting an apartment from the victim, appeared to have lured her outside, as she is heard asking if he was leaving and enquiring about the rent. However, as Poliah‘s back was turned, two (2) other men emerged from the apartment, one armed with a firearm. The men grabbed her and took her away, while the tenant ran back inside. A fourth man then emerged from the apartment, carrying several packed bags, and all four (4) fled outside, including the tenant. The video captures the victim screaming and struggling while the suspects attempted to muffle her cries.
Investigators believe the suspects intended to take Poliah to Venezuela, where a ransom would have been later demanded for her safe release, as has been the trend in recent times.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), at approximately 11:59 PM, Officers intercepted a vessel approximately one nautical mile North-Northwest of Corozal. The operation was executed based on information received from the Radar Centre and carried out by Coast Guard personnel.
On board the vessel, Officers discovered the victim along with six (6) male Venezuelan nationals and two (2) male Trinidad and Tobago nationals. Two (2) males and one (1) female suspect were also held at Tyrico Bay, bringing the total number of suspects currently in custody in connection with the incident to eleven (11).
The victim was successfully rescued and was reported to be in good health.
Investigations revealed that Poliah was abducted earlier that evening. At approximately 7:12 PM, the TTPS said the victim, a 73-year-old landlord, was at her residence located at Don Miguel Road, San Juan, when she was approached by a man along with three (3) other unidentified male suspects. Two (2) of the suspects forcibly took the victim and conveyed her into a white Nissan AD wagon, which was parked at the front of the premises. The vehicle then proceeded in a Northerly direction.
Following the kidnapping and dramatic rescue at sea, Commissioner of Police, Allister Guevarro commented, saying, “Immediately upon receiving the report, the TTPS activated a major inter-agency response. Drawing on the combined capabilities of the Traffic and Highway Patrol, Emergency Response Patrol, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, North Eastern Division, and as the operation progressed, the Coastal and Air Support Unit and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard were brought on board. This successful operation represents a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle organized criminal groups involved in cross-border kidnappings. The speed, precision, and professionalism displayed in this rescue demonstrates that Trinidad and Tobago's law enforcement agencies are prepared, united, and resolute in protecting our citizens.”
This co-ordinated operation included the DCP Intelligence and Investigations, Natasha George, DCP Operations, Suzette Martin, ACP Criminal Division, Richard Smith, and Senior Superintendent of the CID, Anderson Parryman.
In a Media Release today (Thursday 26th March, 2026), the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) said it “played an instrumental role in the successful rescue of kidnapping victim Tara Poliah during a co-ordinated maritime operation involving the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) and the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment (TTR). The operation highlights the rapid response capability, operational readiness, and inter-unit co-ordination of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, demonstrating its continued commitment to protecting the nation's citizens and maintaining safety and security within Trinidad and Tobago's maritime domain.”
The TTDF said it “remains resolute in its mission to support national security efforts and will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners to deter criminal activity and safeguard the nation. Further investigations are being conducted by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.”
More on this as it becomes available.
[Source: Ian Alleyne]
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