TTPS Continues To Be On High Alert

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) continues to be on high alert at all police stations during the ongoing State of Emergency (SOE). At Friday's Police Media Briefing, Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin highlighted a significant marijuana seizure worth over $1 million within the last 24 hours, along with major busts in Tobago and the Northern Division. He said since the SOE began on December 30th, 2024, the TTPS has conducted 562 operations, leading to 500 arrests and 585 priority offenders targeted, the seizure of 30 firearms, 937 rounds of ammunition, and 106.7 kilogrammes of marijuana. He added that over 416 traffic operations were conducted, identifying 179 offences. "I want to take the opportunity to also highlight that over the past 24 hours, we have had over a million dollars worth of marijuana seized by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. I can state to this point that the TTPS, the Tobago Division, has done well in that they have had a seizure of 11.1 kilogrammes of marijuana, and also a substantial amount was also seized in the Northern, North Division." He said the work of the police and the Defence Force continues this weekend. "We are going to continue working hard and assiduous over the weekend, so we are asking persons, even as you travel and traverse the streets, please, we ask you to have some patience with us. If you see roadblocks, we are going to be there, and we're going to be doing our jobs as we seek to ensure that we create a safe place as we seek to uphold law and order." Assistant Commissioner of Police Administration and Operational Support, Richard Smith, said part of the TTPS' operations includes the recovery of four stolen vehicles in the Princes Town district during intelligence-led operations. These included two K2700 pickups, two H100 pickups, and other vehicle parts. "Now these vehicles are currently lodged at the San Fernando Police Station, and I'm encouraging persons who have lost their vehicles to proceed to the San Fernando Police Station and meet with ASP Phillip as well as Inspector Wilkinson, who would be able to show them these vehicles, and they would be in a position to identify them if they are theirs. Any documents that you might have as it relates to your vehicles, please work with them so that they will be able to assist the officers in identifying these vehicles." In response to questions about gang-related activities, DCP Benjamin confirmed that one individual remains under house arrest as part of the SOE’s measures. The TTPS reassured the public that mechanisms are in place to monitor individuals under house arrest to prevent them from orchestrating criminal activities. ACP Smith also noted a steady flow of officers returning from vacation leave, emphasising the need for "all hands on deck" during the SOE.