Cops seize $2.5M in drugs

COMPRESSED marijuana that was shipped from St Vincent and earmarked for distribution to a number of drug blocks in West Trinidad has been seized by officers from the Western Divisional Task Force. The large marijuana haul, which carries an estimated street value of $2.5million came following a week of surveillance and information received. The raid on the makeshift house off Phillip Trace, LePlatte Village, Maraval, was co-ordinated by acting Sr Supt Stephen Quashie, head of the Western Division, Supt Nadir Mohammed and Insp Narcis Cadette. The Task Force officers also seized three pairs of uniforms belonging to the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), 32 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and a rusty AK 47 magazine. Police said a party of officers headed by Cpl William Constantine and including PCs Jason Ramlal, Sylvon Stewart and Kevin Benjamin went to the makeshift house around 4.10 pm Wednesday.

The officers observed two men wearing Army fatigue and holding firearms resembling AK47s.  On seeing the officers, police said the duo began to run and subsequently dropped a black plastic bag. The black plastic bag contained 32 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and an AK47 magazine.  Police said the 5.56mm ammunition can be used in several assault rifles including the Galil, AK47, M16 and the SA80. The two men were pursued, but they made good their escape on foot.  The party of officers then searched the makeshift house and found 18 packages of compressed marijuana, which amounted to 276.92 kilogrammes, carrying an estimated street value of $2.5 million. The officers also found three pairs of army fatigues, one of which belongs to a serving member of the TTDF. Army officials yesterday examined the uniforms at the St James Police Station. The army officials reportedly told police that the soldier had reported his uniform stolen. Police said while no one was arrested, they are aware who they are looking for and that arrests are imminent.  PC Benjamin is continuing investigations.