Lawmen probe T&T drug link with Jamaica

Assistant Superintendent of Police Joanne Archie said law enforcement officers were investigating a possible drug link between T&T and Jamaica after several arrests were made within the past few months. Archie was speaking at yesterday’s daily media press conference at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain.  She said the Organised, Crime, Firearms and Narcotics Bureau (OCFNB) was investigating and holding interaction with stakeholders and countries. Archie was commenting on the arrests of two Jamaican nationals on Wednesday at Piarco International Airport after they were alleged to be in the possession of a quantity of marijuana with a street value of close to  $300,000.

When questioned about the link of drugs coming into Trinidad, Archie said: “The OCFNB investigations are wide and they interact with bodies and countries. They will take note of that.  What I can tell you is they are aware of the arrests and are pursuing certain avenues.” The two nationals arrived on two separate Caribbean Airlines flights at 1.30 pm and 3.45 pm. Investigators said Immigration officers first refused to allow one of the Jamaicans to enter the country. Officers of the Organised Crime, Firearms and Narcotics Bureau then searched the first suspect. Police said they discovered a quantity of marijuana, weighing approximately 1.539 kilogrammes, hidden below some Jamaican patties in a duffel bag.

The other suspect allegedly had a quantity of marijuana, weighing approximately 1.93 kilograms, strapped onto his body. The suspects appeared before an Arima magistrate yesterday.In the past few months, several people have been arrested and charged with possession of high-grade marijuana from Jamaica. The arrests were made at the Piarco International Airport and other areas. When questioned about the lack of arrests of gang members, Archie said discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were ongoing.