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Senior police officers say the arrest of several Trinidadian men and a Venezuelan national at sea, who were allegedly on their way to collect a shipment of guns and illegal drugs bound for this country, is being viewed as a major breakthrough in the fight against crime.
Yesterday, senior intelligence officials confirmed the authenticity of a video circulating on social media showing the arrest of, what appeared to be at least five T&T nationals by Venezuelan security forces aboard a vessel intercepted in international waters. The incident, which occurred around August 13 or 14, is now being linked to the broader transnational criminal networks currently under scrutiny as part of the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE).
Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro confirmed the arrests to Guardian Media yesterday. “My information is that they weren’t out there to collect fish.”
The Commissioner did not reveal exactly how many T&T nationals were on the vessel and arrested.
Local intelligence officials said the group, comprising T&T nationals and the Venezuelan operative, was en route to collect a large shipment of narcotics and firearms destined for Trinidad. The arrest is being directly linked to a broader criminal syndicate that remains under active surveillance.
The Venezuelan national is reportedly affiliated with the international organised outfit, Tren de Aragua.
According to senior police sources, the locals detained aboard the vessel have been linked to an incarcerated gang leader in Trinidad. The group was intercepted approximately 60 nautical miles off Cabo Codera, Venezuela.
Venezuelan officials also seized 3,000 litres of fuel along with a large quantity of contraband. A video posted on social media three days ago showed the suspects being detained and the vessel searched.
Police sources said the group has been receiving instructions from an incarcerated inmate in connection with the July 25, 2019, murder of Vaughan “Sandman” Mieres, his wife, and two associates.
The coordinated ambush that claimed their lives marked a turning point in gang dynamics along the North Coast. Since then, remnants of Mieres’ network have merged with external actors, including Tren de Aragua operatives, forming a more sophisticated syndicate now targeted by local law enforcement.
The arrests come amid this country’s State of Emergency, declared on July 18 in response to a “threat against national security”. It is now being speculated that the emergence of this video, along with other recent intelligence, influenced the Government’s decision to cancel all Independence Day celebrations, including the national parade, and instead declare a National Day of Prayer and Reflection.
Guevarro, meanwhile, said investigations are continuing into the arrest of the locals.
In a voice note issued to Guardian Media, he said, “Some of the individuals who are known to us have now made our jobs a lot easier.”
He added that while it was “fewer men” for the T&T Police Service (TTPS) to locate now, officers were aware of where to look.
The Police Commissioner warned, “Let this serve as a clear warning to other misguided individuals who believe that they can evade justice by crossing borders.”
He also said the suspects may not be as comfortable or fond of the accommodations provided by local officials at secure military facilities.
He ended by saying, “I wish them luck because they will need it.”
English (US) ·