Crime syndicate leaders still isolated says TTPS

The Police Service is confirming that the crime syndicate it says has been engaging in “kidnappings as a revenue stream for acquiring weapons”, remains isolated from their colleagues, as dismantling operations continue.

Commissioner of Police, Allister Guevarro, issued a statement a short while ago, in which he confirmed that the syndicate leaders remain under lockdown.

“At this point in time, the leaders … remain imprisoned at a secure location where their communication is stymied,” he reported.

According to the top cop, other operatives in the syndicate are “working overtime to get them out so they can continue to terrorize Trinidad and Tobago”.

The Police Commissioner also confirmed the shooting death of one of the suspects involved in the kidnapping of Jankie Satie Karim.

The suspect had engaged in a shootout with police after Mrs Karim was rescued successfully last night.

“Around 10:30 pm … a team of officers from the Inter Agency Task Force and the Guard and Emergency Branch proceeded to Old Piarco Road in continuance of our intelligence led operation,” the Commissioner said in his statement.

“Upon arrival at the home of one of the suspects, the officers announced their presence and [were] immediately confronted by the suspect, who was armed with a firearm,” he noted.

Commissioner Guevarro explained: “In keeping with the TTPS’ Use of Force Policy, the officers discharged their service issued firearms in response to the imminent threat.”

The TTPS release reported that one Glock 19 pistol with ammunition was recovered and seized at the scene.