RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Customs and Excise officers intercepted a pirogue in south Trinidad yesterday and seized millions of dollars worth of marijuana and cocaine.
Three men, aged 41, 38 and 36, of Marabella, Williamsville and Diego Martin, remained in police custody last night in connection with the seizure.
Investigators said around 5 am, a party of Customs officers were patrolling in the Gulf of Paria, off Point Fortin, when they saw the boat and intercepted it. They boarded the vessel and began a search.
Several fuel containers were found, along with 32 rectangular shaped packets containing the drugs. The boat was impounded and taken to King’s Wharf, San Fernando.
Officers told Guardian Media last night that 72 kilos of cocaine, with a street value of TT$5.7 million, were found in three of the packages. Officers had not assessed the value of the marijuana up to press time.
Officers said their intelligence suggested the vessel was heading to Cocorite.
The three men are expected to be placed on ID parades and will face charges of drug trafficking.