Twenty-two persons are now in police custody after a team of police officers from various divisions, units and sections mounted a strategic anti-gang exercise on Saturday 26 November, in the Port of Spain district.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ag Erla Christopher said that the sting operation was a planned and focused exercise targeting suspected gang leaders and members in the East Port of Spain area.
She said, “We intend to restore law and order, re-establish control of public spaces, restrict the activities of criminal gangs, and arrest the development and growth of gangs.” DCP Ag Christopher also noted that the police will also use its available resources to seize illegal firearms and ammunition, as a means of reducing the incidence of gun violence and will focus on the seizure of illicit narcotics, which also leads to violence and homicides within our communities.
From as early as 5:05 am, the various teams led by the subject matter experts were on location and initiated search warrant exercises in the area.
Of the 22 suspects arrested, one man from St Paul’s Street was held for Being a Gang Leader, another suspect was arrested for Financing a Gang, while the others were held for Being a Member of a Gang. During the operation, police officers also seized a quantity of cash, both TT and US currency and camouflage clothing.
The 22 suspects were taken to the Besson Street and Woodbrook Police Stations.
The operation was spearheaded by DCP Ag Operations Erla Christopher, ACP Ag Thompson, Snr Supt Ag Alexander, Snr Supt Elie, and Snr Supt Subero.
Investigations are continuing.
Source: TTPS
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