Pharmacist held with gun, ammo in Central raids

A 38-year-old pharmacist was among 42 persons arrested in an early morning exercise carried out in Central Division yesterday. The exercise, which was led by Inspector Burt Raphael, Sgt Sylvester and Ag Sgt Ajith Persad, started at 2 am and ended at midday. Officers executed a search warrant at the Balmain Village, Couva home of a pharmacist, and allegedly seized a .22 Browning pistol and 20 rounds of .22 ammunition from his home. The pharmacist was arrested and taken to the Couva Police Station where he was charged. Fourteen others were held on outstanding warrants, while nine others were held for possession of narcotics.

Officers also executed a search warrant at Soledad Road, Claxton Bay, and seized a quantity of forged Trinidad and Tobago and US currency, 50 rounds of 9 mm ammunition and arrested a 34-year old man, his 27-year old wife and his 63-year-old mother. Officers also searched another house and arrested a 45-year-old man and found a quantity of 9 mm, .38 and .380 special ammunition. A quantity of marijuana was also seized. During the same exercise, officers intercepted a car with two persons who robbed a taxi-driver of his car.

The stolen car was intercepted at Caroni Savannah Road, and the two suspects were placed on an identification parade where they were pointed out. Several drug dens were raided and a quantity of drugs seized. The exercise formed part of the anti-crime initiative. Other officers who took part in the exercise included Ag Sgts Mckenzie, Ramlogan, Ag Cpl Williams, and PCs Alexander, Toolaram, Edwards Ali and others.