Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds says that because of the facilitation of corrupt state officials illegal weapons are making their way into the country through legal ports.
Minister Hinds was a guest on the Power Breakfast Show this morning.
He was asked to comment on the burgeoning number of murders being committed in Trinidad and Tobago and exponential rise in gun violence.
He articulated that one of the major issues with illegal guns making their way onto our shores lay with corrupt officials.
He said that there has been a lot of collaboration with international parties as well as the police service and much has been done to ensure that the situation is dealt with.
OPPOSITION MP Dr Roodal Moonilal issued a call for a report on the assets of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard at a media conference yesterday, claiming that 90% of its vessels were non-operational.
He said photographs had emerged showing Coast Guard vessels docked at several places, including Staubles Bay and at the San Fernando Yacht Club, adding that they were in need of urgent refurbishment.
Minister Hinds was asked to comment on the call by Dr Moonilal.
He said that vessels are presently under a repair program.