In Brief
- Major Seizure: The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard seized 440.20 kg of cocaine, valued at over TT$204 million, during a maritime operation near Huevos Island on Monday.
- Arrests Made: Four individuals—three Trinidadian nationals and one Venezuelan—were detained after their vessel was intercepted.
- Government Response: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge praised law enforcement efforts, asserting that authorities are staying one step ahead of the cartels.
(CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) said on Tuesday that laboratory tests have confirmed as cocaine the contents of more than 300 sealed packages it seized during an operation at sea on Monday.
The authorities say they have detained four people, including three nationals and a Venezuelan, after the TTCG intercepted the vessel near Huevos Island. In a brief statement, the Coast Guard said that the analysis had been undertaken by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and that the seizure amounted to 440.20 kg, with an estimated street value of TT$204,534,528.
“The exhibits have been processed in accordance with established evidential procedures, and the matter remains with the relevant law enforcement authorities as investigations continue,” the TTCG said, adding it remains committed to protecting the country’s maritime space “and disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics through our waters.”
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has hailed the continuing efforts of law enforcement, saying that the authorities were “winning,” the battle against drug traffickers and would remain relentless in confronting the cartels.
“Drug trafficking is lucrative for the cartels, so they will continue to try to find ways to evade law enforcement. It is our job to be one step ahead of the cartels and to anticipate them. We are winning at this point and we will continue to do everything in our power to keep on top of our game,” he said.
