Police officers in the South Western Division are keeping a close watch on ports as they seek to cut off possible escape routes for criminals. They are working with personnel from the Coast Guard and Customs and Excise to monitor criminals who might attempt to flee the country through ports along the south-western coastline. A senior police officer told the T&T Guardian: "Even though some of the people can leave here legally, we don't want criminals leaving the country to go into hiding. "We are watching closely the issue of criminal migration which we have seen in the past weeks.
"Because areas in the division are not under curfew, many wanted criminals have been spotted with some being arrested." Officers from the division, led by Inspector Harold Seedarie, under the supervision of Superintendent Sampath and Senior Superintendent Ogaro, conducted operations over the weekend. It ended yesterday morning. No illegal arms or ammunition were found but 56 people were arrested for various offences, including 32 people for outstanding warrants and ten for possession of narcotics.
Two suspects in recent robberies were also detained while two were held for having sex with minors. Ten people were arrested for other offences.
The officers conducted the operations from Point Fortin to Icacos Village, Cedros. Taking part in the raids were sergeants Jones, Currie, Granger, Douglas, Banwarie and Ablacksingh. They were assisted by officers from the South Western Division CID, CIU, Task Force, Special Branch, K9 Unit and the Coast Guard, headed by Lts Frederick and King.