Six live grenades were discovered by police in the same Point Fortin community where Venezuelan gang leader “El Culon” was arrested. The find came five days after the gang leader was held with firearms, ammunition and other illegal immigrants.
Up to yesterday, “El Culon” was being interrogated by police, however, investigators are yet to say whether Wednesday’s find was related to him or his gang known as El Evander. South Western Division (SWD) police, who assisted with Wednesday’s raid, said that while they have no information that criminals are planning a massive operation, which would include the use of grenades, it was something that other arms of the Police Service would probe.
At around 6 pm officers of the Organised Crime Intelligence Unit (OCIU), based on intelligence gathering, went to a house on Warden Road along with officers of the South Western Division Task Force where the team found the live grenades in a black plastic bag. A search was made around the premises for other weapons and possible suspects, but none were found. The grenades were taken into evidence as investigators continue to search for the culprits who possibly imported the illegal firepower into the country.
A senior police officer told Guardian Media that there was a possible link between the grenades coming into the country and the influx of Venezuelans. He said that while many of the Venezuelans coming into T&T are seeking jobs, criminals have also been able to make their way in as well. Another officer said that Venezuelan gang members were still exchanging firearms for cash and food items.
Last Friday, police raided two houses in Spring Trace and Warden Road Extension where they found “El Culon”, who was said to assume the leadership of El Evander. He was among eight illegal Venezuelan nationals arrested. A 28-year-old local fisherman was also held in relation to the weapons seizure.
“El Culon” is wanted by Venezuelan authorities for several cross-border crimes and police believe that the local fisherman helped to facilitate the illegal activities of El Evander in Trinidad.