Major Crackdown on crime in Tobago: Key suspects charged under Anti-Gang Act

Tobago’s law enforcement agencies took important enforcement action, inflicting a potent ban on the island’s criminal activities. Several suspects were charged under the Anti-Gang Act.

This operation came up, particularly, after there has been a worrisome stat of increased criminal activities in the sister isle.

“H Man” whose real name is Theron Agard, has been charged under section 5 (I)(A) of the Anti-Gang Act, no.4 of 2021, suspected of being a gang leader. Agard is an imprisoned offender, but the severe charges levelled against him include conspiracy to rob.

Details of his alleged involvement in gang’s leadership functions show the seriousness of the charges as well as the ongoing fight on the organized crimes in Tobago.

The same applies to Marcus Harvey, who is refer to as ‘Banton’, has also been charged under the same provision of Anti-Gang Act for being a gang member. Harvey, who is currently detained, also has charges that are based on conspiracy to rob. It is posturing to show that most criminal activities are premeditated, in which he is accused of having taken part.

Similarly, Justin Junior Melville, commonly called ‘Mad Dog’, is facing the count of being in possession of a dangerous drug, namely, Marijuana or Cannabis, with intent to sell it.

The arrest took place on Friday, 9th August 2024 at Hart Lane, Government House Road, Scarborough in the Tobago Division. This charge speaks of the constant campaign against the trafficking and distribution of drugs within the island to show that law enforcement agencies are very sensitive to narcotic-related incidences.

In addition, Okeen West was accused of the possession of 18 rounds of ammunition on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the same Hart Lane. The finding of the ammunition increases the worry of banned firearms and affiliated ammunition, which are assumed to be exerted in criminal acts and gangsterism.

The recent arrests and charges clearly indicate that Tobago is gradually winning the fight against crime. The increase in the activities, surveillance, and educative operations have yield positive results especially in arresting notorious individuals and disrupting criminal groups. It remains clear from authorities that they are willing to pursue their probes, as well as to go on with measures towards the prevention of other criminal incidents.

This is a clear quest from Tobago’s policing agencies, spearheading efforts to regain order and safety in the island concerned to violence from gangs as well as other serious crimes. The ministry and the community can further anticipate more actions as the investigations go on and new information is revealed.