Cops seize $6M in ganja, arms after high speed chase at sea

A high speed chase at sea off Trinidad’s north coast yesterday started out near the Grand Riviere, Toco area and ended when a speed boat ran aground at Basin Road Bay, San Souci, Toco. The chase lasted some two hours following which police siezed 500 kilogrammes of compressed marijuana worth over $6 million, and a quantity of arms and ammunition. A 31-year-old soldier attached to the TT Regiment was arrested and warrants have been issued for four other persons who escaped. Investigations based on intelligence gathered over a period of time led officers of the Organised Crime and Narcotics Unit, under Senior Supt Kathleen Weekes and ASP Franklyn Edwards, the heliport crew under Corporal Charles, Toco police under Cpl Joshua and Cpl Marcelle, to the North Coast where they spotted a boat offshore.

On seeing the officers and the helicopter, the boat sped off and a high speed chase evolved, ending when the boat ran aground. The slightly injured soldier was captured while his accomplices escaped in the nearby rocky coast. Officers later combed the area for the escaped men but came up empty-handed. Investigators believe the drugs were being transported to another Caribbean base before being sent to the North American market. One of the men who escaped has been identified as a resident of Toco. The soldier is expected to appear before a Sangre Grande magistrate later this week.