The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service says it continues to make inroads into the illegal trade of narcotics and contraband through legitimate ports of entry, as officers seized a quantity of Ketamine and US and local currency during separate intelligence-led operations this week.
The TTPS said on Wednesday an intelligence unit within the TTPS received information that identified a package which was shipped from Queens, New York and destined to a consignee in D’Abadie.
It said the description of contents was documented as coffee and packaged food; however, the package was suspected to contain contraband.
“Attempts were made to apprehend the local consignee, however, the suspected persons never arrived to collect the package.”
The TTPS said consequently, the intelligence unit, in collaboration with Northern Division (ND) officers proceeded to the courier company, where the said package was scanned and two of the sachets of coffee reflected anomalies.
The two sachets were probed further and found to contain a white powdery substance.
When tested, the substance gave a positive indication to be that of Ketamine.
The total weight of the Ketamine was 72.68 grams, with an estimated street value of $50,876. “ The TTPS will collaborate with its international partners with a view of identifying and monitoring the sender of the package.”
The TTPS added that also in early November 2023, the intelligence unit received information which suggested that an employee at the Port of Port-of-Spain, facilitates the smuggling of narcotics and contraband into and out of the port, concealed amongst legitimate cargo through various cargo vessels.
Police said the information suggested that the port employee had plans to meet an accomplice at the P.O.S. Port, to conduct a possible handover of narcotics and the exchange of currency.
“ The TTPS developed the information further, gathered intelligence and identified the suspected accomplice and their vehicle. The team immediately acted on the information and through surveillance on Wednesday 29th November, 2023, identified the vehicle at the CARICOM Port, P.O.S.”
It said the intelligence unit reached out to Customs for operational support and the vehicle was intercepted at the port.
The TTPS said during the search, the port employee and the other suspected accomplice were identified as the occupants of the vehicle. Police reportedly seized $1810 US and $46,015 TT which the accomplice had in his possession.
Both people were later conveyed to the Customs Division pending further enquiries.
