Cops say it’s a Venezuelan drug link

A 16-year-old boy was kidnapped Saturday night for a ransom demand that included money, firearms, ammunition and a quantity of marijuana.
However, police said Christopher Babwah, of Parry Lane, Chanka Trace, El Socorro Extension, was released just before 4 am yesterday after his father, Basdeo Babwah, 46, paid the kidnappers $2,000 and seven kilogrammes of marijuana for his son’s safe return. According to police reports, around 8 pm Saturday, Chris-topher was in company with his 16-year-old girlfriend, Nadia Shamshoodeen in front of the gate of her Aranguez home. Police said a black Nissan Sentra vehicle pulled up alongside the young couple.  Two men, wearing bandanas over their faces, subsequently alighted from the car and forced Christopher into the vehicle, which sped off.

Officers of the Barataria/El Socorro Criminal Investiga-tions Department (CID) received a report at 9.05 pm and a party of officers headed by Cpls Patrick Thomas and Liston Taylor, along with PCs Sunil Ramoutar and Maraj visited the scene and conducted investigations. Police said during the night, Basdeo Babwah received several telephone calls demanding that he find money, drugs, guns and ammunition for the safe return of his son. However, police said around 3.40 am yesterday, Basdeo Babwah contacted the Barataria station, saying his son had been released after he paid $2000 and seven kilogrammes of marijuana. Christopher had been released by the Quik Shoppe in the vicinity of Morvant Junction. The Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), whose head is Sr Supt Gilbert Reyes, said they had been informed about the boy’s kidnapping, but that relatives went behind their backs and paid money and marijuana. The AKS also said they are working on the theory that the kidnapping is related to a Venezuelan drug deal that went sour. PC Maraj of the Barataria/El Socorro CID is continuing enquiries.