9 Arrested, AR-15 Rifle Among 7 Guns Seized Following Weekend Exercises
The seizure of an AR-15 Rifle this morning by police officers in Arima brings to total seven firearms seized by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) for the weekend.
Nine suspects, who were also arrested for various offences during police operations, are also assisting detectives with enquiries.
In the latest exercise earlier today, police officers attached to the Pinto Road Police Post, Arima Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Guard and Emergency Branch and the Canine Unit, executed seven raids at various locations in the Pinto district.
During the operation, Northern Division police officers seized an AR-15 Rifle, a magazine with 12 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, two rounds of nine millimetre ammunition, a camouflage handbag containing three scales, 236 grammes of marijuana and two holsters at a house along Hoyte Avenue, Pinto Road, Arima.
A small quantity of marijuana was also found at a neighbouring Getwell Avenue residence.
CID detectives are following leads on the suspects wanted in connection with this find.
On Friday, Northern Division police officers also arrested nine suspects for various offences following exercises in the Arima, D’Abadie, Hoyte Avenue, Malabar, Maturita and Pinto areas.
Meanwhile, last night, Western Division Task Force (WDTF) police officers proceeded to Smith Hill and Big Yard, Carenage, where they conducted raids which resulted in the seizure of a silver Beretta Pistol outfitted with an extended magazine which contained 15 rounds of nine millimetre ammunition.
PC Peltier of the WDTF is continuing enquiries.
On the same day, police officers attached to the Inter-Agency and South-Western Division Task Forces, Crime Patrol and Traffic Units and the Cedros Police Station also raided several drug blocks and shacks at the Fullerton Fishing Facility where they found one .380 Lorcin Pistol with three rounds of .380 ammunition and three packets which contained 1.5 kilogrammes of marijuana.
As intelligence-led operations continue to be implemented in the lead up to the mecca of the 2023 Carnival season, the TTPS is urging citizens to remain vigilant and to cooperate with law enforcement in its crime-fighting efforts.
Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Erla Christopher, said the TTPS and its key stakeholders and partners have already established a working relationship with promoters and event organisers which is resulting in the successful and safe execution of events.
CoP (Ag.) Christopher said, while the TTPS is also monitoring the developments with the COVID-19 transmissions rate both locally and internationally, police officers remain committed in keeping the country’s art form and livelihood of creatives alive.
She said, “The Carnival season is a period in which police officers are challenged and stretched to ensure the greatest degree of safety, not only to partygoers, but equally our regular duties within the community and commercial hubs.”
“The leadership of the TTPS is working closely with the Divisional Commanders and Heads of Specialised Units in providing the necessary manpower, resources and strategies with this in mind,” she continued.
She added, “So far, the devotion to duty, commitment to service and the self-sacrificing being demonstrated by TTPS personnel are commendable and must not be overlooked. We are seeing the sustained results of these operations and exercises. We salute the officers who continue to go above and beyond in these very demanding and trying times and urge the public to work with us as we fulfil our mandate of making every place in Trinidad and Tobago safe.”
Citizens are reminded to provide information about crime or suspected illegal activities to the TTPS via telephone at 555, the CoP’s direct anti-crime hotline at 736-TTPS (8877), CRIME STOPPERS at 800-TIPS or via the TTPS’ App.
For emergencies, citizens can call 999 for rapid police response.
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Corporate Communications Unit
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