Murder suspect held in raid

A MAN wanted for the kidnapping and murder of Central businessman Vernon Roopnarine was among 23 persons arrested in a police exercise carried out early yesterday. The 29-year-old suspect is also believed to be linked to larcenies and robberies in Central Trinidad and Port-of-Spain. He was expected to appear before several identification parades yesterday. Roopnarine, owner of Refinery and Fabricators Industrial Limited in Point Lisas, was kidnapped from his Claxton Bay home on September 5. His kidnappers demanded $3 million for his safe return.

However, he was found dead three days later, with the body dumped in a lookout in Maraval. The murder suspect was arrested at his Marabella home by officers of the Southern Division Task Force led by acting Sgts Anthony Charles and Matthew Noel. The suspect’s 37-year-old sister was also arrested after police discovered a quantity of jewelry, believed stolen, in the house. Other suspects were arrested for various offences, including possession of narcotics, robbery and larceny.