Rhondor Dowlat
Senior Reporter
rhondor.dowlat@guardian.co.tt
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) executed an operation across the Northern and North Central Divisions on Tuesday, where officers discovered several containers of hair cream filled with cocaine.
During a surveillance operation, officers identified a vehicle travelling along roads in the North Eastern Division. With support from Northern Division Police, the vehicle was intercepted on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway near the Grand Bazaar shopping centre.
Officers discovered eight containers labelled "Shade Naturals" hair products. Subsequent field tests confirmed these items contained cocaine, weighing a total of 3.25 kilograms, with an estimated street value of TT$4,530,240.
A 27-year-old man from 2B Temple Street, Papouri Road, San Fernando, was arrested at the scene.
According to police, this is a major breakthrough which stems from an intelligence-led operation that began in 2023, uncovering a sophisticated drug trafficking network based in South Trinidad.
This network allegedly imported narcotics from South America, concealed within legitimate cargo, and exported them using local courier services. Following multiple arrests and significant seizures over the past year, TTPS intelligence units recently received information about an impending narcotics shipment.
Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher remarked, "Intelligence gathering is the cornerstone of effective policing. It allows us to anticipate and disrupt criminal activities before they can inflict harm on our communities. The success of this operation underscores how critical intelligence is in our fight against crime."
The TTPS continues to pursue leads to dismantle this drug trafficking network, promising further actions to ensure the safety and security of the nation.