Retired Customs Officer Charged After Drug and Gun Shipment Seized in Port of Spain

A former Customs and Excise Guard was arrested after officers found cannabis worth $1.4 million and a firearm stashed inside a washer and dryer at a Customs Bonded Area in Trinidad.

Retired Customs Officer Charged After Drug and Gun Shipment Seized in Port of Spain

On Monday, enforcement personnel at a Customs Bonded Area in Port of Spain uncovered a major illegal shipment during an intelligence-driven operation. The consignment included a large quantity of suspected cannabis and a weapon concealed inside household appliances.

A Ministry of Finance statement explained that staff examined freight addressed to a retired Customs and Excise Guard. They located 11 parcels holding a green vegetative substance believed to be marijuana. Officials estimate its street value at roughly $1.4 million.

Another parcel contained a black metal object looking like a handgun. It had been hidden within a washing machine and dryer set.

Members of the Customs Canine Enforcement Unit and Preventive Branch took possession of the contraband right away.

The Firearms Trafficking Interdiction Unit and Special Investigations Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service helped with the case.

Subsequently, law enforcement detained one person and laid formal charges against them. The individual is due to appear before a Master of the High Court, accused of violating the Customs Act Chapter 78:01.

The Finance Ministry highlighted that this bust shows the division's determination to block the entry of forbidden merchandise, unlawful drugs, and material that jeopardizes public welfare and state security.

The agency further pledged to keep partnering with national security bodies to tackle cross-border criminal activity, break up smuggling rings, and enforce local statutes.

Source: Trinidad Guardian

Source: Google News TT — Crime