By FRANCIS JOSEPH
The Police made a major cocaine bust on Thursday morning with the seizure of more than $193 million worth of cocaine. Three foreigners were also arrested during the exercise.
According to reports, police officers made a major blow to the illegal drug trade, when they seized approximately 416.5 kilos of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $193,522,560, during an intelligence-led exercise at Pokhor Road, Longdenville.
Acting on information, police conducted the operation between 3:40 a.m. on Wednesday and 3:30 a.m. on Thursday. It was coordinated by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Division, Kerwin Francis, with operational leadership provided by Acting Assistant Supt St. Clair.
The inquiries centred on the suspected concealment of illegal firearms and narcotics at premises along Pokhor Road, Longdenville.
Acting under the authority of Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2026, the police officers proceeded to premises and conducted a careful and systematic search of the residence, warehouse, and surrounding compound for firearms, narcotics and other prohibited items.
During the search, the police officers observed six large backhoe tyres mounted on rims inside the warehouse. A closer examination revealed rectangular packages concealed within four of the tyres.
In total, 420 packages were discovered and seized.
A 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands was arrested on suspicion of offences connected with the seizure, while two Saint Lucian nationals, aged 38 and 37, were also detained. No national was held, but inquiries are continuing as police suspect the brains behind the operation is a Trinidad national.
Ag. ASP St. Clair subsequently visited the scene, while PC Naipaul and No. PC Frankbull, of the Central Division Crime Scene Investigations Unit, processed the location.
With the assistance of Customs and Excise officers, the 420 packages were weighed and recorded as having a combined weight of approximately 416.5 kilos with an estimated street value of $193,522,560.
The seized items were subsequently conveyed to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in Port of Spain. The three detained persons were thereafter conveyed to the St Joseph Police Station pending further inquiries. Charges are expected shortly.
Investigations are continuing.
