MAJOR DRUG BUST IN SOUTHERN T&T

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 001010

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CAR, INL/LP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SNAR TD
SUBJECT: MAJOR DRUG BUST IN SOUTHERN T&T


1. On August 23, officers from the Crime Suppression Unit of
Trinidad and Tobago's Police Force arrested two men for possession
of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. The police seized some
158 kilograms of compressed marijuana, worth approximately USD
250,000 (TTD 1.5 million),from the passenger area of a maxi taxi
(local transportation, similar to a mini bus). The police received
information that a maxi taxi headed towards Point Fortin, a major
port city in the south of the country, was transporting two bags of
marijuana. When the police responded and pulled the maxi taxi over,
they found the marijuana wrapped in one-kilogram packets divided
among six bags. The suspects are expected to be officially charged
on August 25.


2. COMMENT: One of the main challenges facing the TT Police Force
is getting information from witnesses. It seems that, in this case,
a concerned citizen stepped forward to provide information on which
the police acted. This is an encouraging development, which we cite
as further proof that anonymous hotlines (such as Crime Stoppers, or
the "555" number recently introduced by the Ministry of National
Security) are proving effective in helping to reduce crime in the
country. END COMMENT.


SWEENEY