By FRANCIS JOSEPH
A major investigation is underway after police recovered millions of dollars worth of stolen TSTT Copper Cable, and seized TT $681,000 and US $11,000 on Friday.
One man was arrested, but the hunt continues for several more who are believed to be involved in this major crime.
The recoveries were made during Operation R.E.S.O.L.U.T.E. SHIELD, which commenced at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
The operation was spearheaded under the leadership of DCP Suzette Martin. It was supervised by ASP Mark Hernandez and Inspector Rampersad, and others from the Special Investigation Unit (SIU).
The exercise involved officers from the Special Investigation Unit, Chaguanas CID, Central CCTV, Central Division Operations, Central Division Task Force Areas North and South, Inter-Agency Task Force and North Eastern Division Task Force.
Acting on intelligence, police officers conducted extensive inquiries, which led them to a property at Saroop Lane, El Socorro, San Juan, where a search was conducted.
During the search, officers discovered a substantial quantity of packaged copper wire and cables suspected to be the property of the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT).
During further searches of the property, officers also discovered significant quantities of Trinidad and Tobago and United States currency at separate locations.
In an upstairs area, officers recovered TT $612,893.00 and US$11,000.00, while a further TT $68,600.00 was recovered from another area of the property.
The total currency presently accounted for is TT$ 681,493.00 and US$11,000.00.
One person, who occupied the premises, was arrested and is assisting police. Police are looking at charges such as larceny of the stolen copper cable, as well as money laundering. The suspect is being kept at an undisclosed location.
Investigations are continuing.
Photos courtesy TTPS
