Blimp in action against gangs

From as early as 7 am yesterday, residents of Diego Martin, Petit Valley and surrounding areas saw the blimp hovering over their homes amid clear blue skies.

The blimp was over Port-of-Spain by 8.45 am, heading towards Laventille, which has been the scene of many gang-related shootings and murders.

Special Anti-crime Unit (SAUTT) sources told Newsday that the blimp’s duties yesterday involved the gathering of information relating to criminal activities among gang members.

The exercise was the first yesterday since the two test runs carried out by SAUTT officers proved successful.

Yesterday, the infrared gyroscopic cameras aboard the blimp concentrated on activities at Bagatelle, Laventille, Champs Fleurs, Tunapuna and Arima.

The officers were able to record perfect conversations on cell phones 500 metres below.

The floating "spyship," purchased by the National Security Ministry to engage in surveillance at crime hotspots, is now being stored at a Cumuto site which is under heavy SAUTT guard.

The information gathered yesterday will be supplied to officers of the Criminal Intelligence Unit led by ACP James Philbert, and exercises are now being planned to deal with gang-related shootings and murders.

SAUTT sources said they also intend to find out about the gun smuggling racket in the country and hope to make a breakthrough soon.