Guppy extradited to US on drug charges

Shurlan Guppy -

ACCUSED drug trafficker Shurlan Guppy, wanted in the United States, has been extradited to face federal charges in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the US Embassy has confirmed.

Guppy had been under investigation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, office since 2019.

On August 5, Guppy was escorted from TT to the US by deputy marshals from the US Marshals Service and special agents from the DEA.

Guppy, 47, is wanted on 11 charges related to heroin and cocaine trafficking, amounting to US$1 million. His claims of entrapment, bad faith, and disproportionate interference with his family life were previously rejected by Justice Ricky Rahim on December 11, 2024. Rahim also upheld the decision of the extradition magistrate.

On March 25, Justices of Appeal Mark Mohammed, Peter Rajkumar, and Ronnie Boodoosingh dismissed his appeal of the High Court’s decision.

Guppy was arrested on September 25, 2023, in Westmoorings following an extradition request from the US.

He faces charges including conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, attempted distribution, and distribution of narcotics in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Evidence against him includes intercepted communications, drug seizures, and co-operation from a US informant who allegedly identified Guppy as a supplier.

On July 31, 2024, acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles found sufficient grounds to commit Guppy to await the Attorney General’s warrant for extradition.

Guppy subsequently filed a writ of habeas corpus, alleging entrapment and raising concerns about the impact of extradition on his autistic son.

Guppy’s legal team had argued that US authorities used entrapment to build their case, claiming that Guppy was not a target until the informant implicated him and that financial inducements were offered to prompt criminal transactions.

In a statement on August 6, the embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Dr Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said, “This extradition is indicative of the strong law enforcement relationships and close cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, as we continue to work together to make our countries safer and prosecute criminal activities.”

DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda said, “The successful extradition of Shurlan Guppy is a powerful testament to the strength of international cooperation and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement on both sides of the Caribbean. I commend the dedicated efforts of DEA Special Agents who worked tirelessly alongside other U.S. and TT agencies. Together, we sent a clear message that transnational criminal organisations will be pursued relentlessly, no matter where they hide. This operation reflects the professionalism, coordination, and resolve that define our shared mission to safeguard our communities from the threat of drug trafficking.”

The US Embassy credited the TT Police Service, including its Transnational Organised Crime Unit, the Central Authority of the Office of the Attorney General, TT’s customs and immigration divisions, the Airports Authority, the US Customs and Boarder Protection, the US Diplomatic Security Service, the US Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for playing key roles critical to the successful extradition.

In his ruling on Guppy’s habeas corpus application, Justice Rahim noted, “The public interest in extraditing persons accused of trans-border international drug offences is great. This is so because of the incestuous criminal nature of those types of offences whereby the demand for narcotics of one territory is fulfilled by cross-border smuggling, which is one of the allegations set out in the information in this case.”

He added, “There is a high public interest in ensuring that extradition arrangements are honoured so as to ensure in turn that persons do not see TT as a state willing to accept fugitives from justice.

“In this case, there has been a long-standing mutually respected and reliable relationship between the US and TT for extradition for the prosecution of drug offences committed in either territory.

“Therefore, the decision of the grand jury of the requesting state should be accorded a high degree of confidence and respect.”