Dramatic rescue of kidnap victim – 10 arrested
By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Six Venezuelans and four Trinidadians are in custody following a dramatic operation around midnight to rescue 73-year-old kidnap victim, Tara Poliah.
Poliah was rescued by the Coast Guard at sea off the North Coast following a well-coordinated operation by the National Operations Centre (NOC), now headed by retired Senior Supt John Abraham.
The drama started around 7.30 pm last evening when Poliah went to her downstairs apartment where several Venezuelans were renting. She confronted a Venezuelan known as Ray and asked him if he was leaving.
Ray said yes. Poliah then asked for her rent money as Ray seemed to be walking away. At this moment, two other Venezuelans emerged from the apartment, snatched Poliah and bundled her into a white Nissan AD wagon, PEA 3592, and they drove off.
The incident was witnessed by a couple on the same compound at Don Miguel Road, San Juan. They alerted the police.
According to Abraham, a coordinated operation was put in place and numerous roads were blocked. Intelligence revealed that the kidnappers and their victims were heading to the North Coast. Several units, including the North-Eastern Division Task Force, the Maracas and Blanchisseuse Police, the SSA, as well as the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sprung into action.
Further intelligence revealed that Poliah was kept at a house in Las Cuevas for two hours before she was taken to a boat. The Coast Guard was alerted and a vessel was sent to the North Coast.
The Coast Guard confronted the vessel and found six Venezuelans and two Trinidadians – a man and woman – along with Poliah. The police also arrested a man and woman – both Trinidadians – who were keeping Poliah at the house.
The ten suspects were handed over to the police while Poliah was taken for medical attention.
Investigations so far revealed that Poliah was to be taken to Venezuelan where a ransom demand was to be made – in US dollars.
Investigators revealed that Trinidad nationals are assisting Venezuelans to commit crime in this country. They are checking the immigration status of the six Venezuelans arrested.
