Trinidadian extradited to US to face federal charges in Philadelphia

Trinidadian national Shurlan Guppy has been extradited to the United States, where he will face federal charges in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania following a years-long drug trafficking investigation.

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According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, Guppy had been under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Philadelphia since 2019. He was arrested on September 26, 2023, following extensive cooperation between U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement agencies.

A Port of Spain Magistrate Court approved Guppy’s extradition on July 31, 2024. He appealed the ruling, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the case on March 25, 2025, clearing the path for his transfer.

On Tuesday, Guppy was escorted to the United States by Deputy U.S. Marshals and DEA Special Agents.

“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,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz.

DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda praised the joint effort, calling the extradition “a powerful testament to the strength of international cooperation.”

“I commend the dedicated efforts of DEA special agents who worked tirelessly alongside other U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago agencies. Together, we sent a clear message that transnational criminal organisations will be pursued relentlessly, no matter where they hide,” Miranda added. “This operation reflects the professionalism, coordination, and resolve that define our shared mission to safeguard our communities from the threat of drug trafficking.”