Three kidnap suspects held

Kidnapped gas station owner Alvin Nunes, 71, was rescued from a shack at Patna Village, Diego Martin around 8.30 am yesterday. His rescue came hours after he turned 71. Reports revealed that officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad acting on a tip, stormed the shack in a forested area, where they saw two men guarding Nunes who was tied up and gagged. The two men ages 34 and 24 were arrested, while a relieved Nunes was untied and rescued. He is the fifth kidnap victim to be rescued by officers of the Anti-Kidnap-ping Squad for the year. A third suspect was also arrested a short distance away from the shack and more arrests are imminent.

Nunes was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he was treated and reuinted with his family. On his return home yesterday, Nunes was given a meal of vegetable soup, the first meal he had since being kidnapped on Sunday. He told investigators that after being kidnapped he was taken to the shack where he was tied up and gagged. The kidnappers offered him crix and water, but he refused. When he was rescued yesterday, Nunes was weak and dehydrated. He said that on Monday, when he turned 71, he took the time to reflect on his life and prayed for his rescue.

Arnold Nunes,  nephew of the rescued kidnap victim told Newsday that his uncle is relieved to be back home. He added that everyone is happy and he thanked officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for their support and round-the-clock work which led to the rescue of their relative. Up until yesterday, no decision was taken about the re-opening of the gas station owned by Nunes. AKS sources told Newsday that shortly after the kidnapping they were on top of things and the rescue of Nunes was specially timed. The rescue exercise was led by ASP Adam Joseph and Sgt Joseph Issac. Other officers included Cpls Aguilal, Nessbitt and PCs Ramcharan, Khan, Dowlat, Walker, Guerra and others.