Cops lockdown auto businesses

Officers of the Police Service’s Financial Intelligence Bureau also seized close to $100,000 from the home of the businessman.

The exercise started at 9 am and was led by Ag Supt Ajith Persad.

It was coordinated by Assistant Commissioners of Police Irwin Hackshaw, Radcliffe Boxill and Surujdeen Persad, with field operations coordinated by ASPs Rawle Ramdeo, Bailey, Ghishawan and Bruno.

The officers, all carrying search warrants, moved into the nine business places and the Lange Park home of the businessman who has had run-ins with the law for alleged physical abuse against his wife.

The businessman and two brothers were detained while the raids were taking place and released after the operation ended.

Detectives from the Police Stolen Vehicles Squad were seen examing the engines inside cars at the businessman’s auto parts compound. Police said the exercise came following intel that the businessman was involved in the stealing and selling of vehicles as well as selling fraudulent Drivers Permits.

ACP Hackshaw said a recent spike in the larceny of vehicles also played a part in yesterday’s operation.

He called on members of the public to assist police with information relating to vehicle being stolen.