San Fernando, four others arrested in possession of firearms, ammo in Tunapuna

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: A 43-year-old San Fernando Mason was apprehended in connection with possession of a pistol, seven rounds of ammunition and a quantity of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking in Tunapuna.

It is to be noted that he was arrested during a police anti-crime exercise in the Southern Division on Tuesday. The ranks were assisted by the officers of the Canine Unit and other intelligence agencies. 

Apart from him, the officers arrested two more suspects from the same region. A 31-year-old labourer of Palmiste was held for the possession of marijuana, and a 23-year-old Venezuelan national was found with quantities of cocaine and marijuana. 

Nowadays, Trinidad and Tobago police conduct multiple searches and anti-crime exercises to combat crimes. On Tuesday, a search operation was held in different constituencies of the country. 

Notably, a total of five suspects were apprehended, and two firearms, quantities of ammunition and drugs were seized arising out of separate incidents. Importantly, this includes a police-involved shooting. 

According to Trinidad and Tobago police services, the officials of the North Central Division Gang and Intelligence Unit (NCDGIU) conducted an intelligence-led operation in the North Central Division. This exercise was a result of the robbery report made by the Tunapuna district. 

Upon arrival at the location in the vicinity of Tunapuna Market, a male suspect allegedly pointed ted a gun at the officers, who, in accordance with the use of force policy, fired their guns at the suspect. Due to the shooting, he was shot and got injured. 

Noting this, he was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex for treatment. Another accused tried to flee from the scene, but he was held at a short distance. 

The investigating officers conducted a search on the scene, and they recovered one Smith and Wesson pistol, which was loaded with a magazine containing 14 rounds of ammunition from the scene. 

Additionally, a day before this incident, Task Force officers and T&T Defence Force personnel intercepted a green-band maxi taxi with a male occupant during mobile patrolling. 

The suspect was wanted in connection with multiple charges of threats to kill, false imprisonment, robbery and many more. The officials held four male suspects of Tunapuna for the possession of marijuana, a camouflage and two communication devices. 

Investigations of the above matters are ongoing.