8 held in Sea Lots lockdown

At about 3 am, officers led by Senior Superintendents Boxhill, Hodge Griffith and ASP Ajith Persad descended upon the Sea Lots area and cordoned off all points of entry and exit.

The exercise was initiated following the murder of known gang leader Ronnie Hogan on Friday night. During the exercise, homes were searched as well as suspected drug dens and eight persons were detained. One of the persons was held for making threats to a police officer who lives in the area as well as other offences.

Others were held for robberies and outstanding warrants.

During the exercise, residents who were asleep were awakened as police announced their presence as they carried out searches.

Some of the residents welcomed the police presence claiming there was a series of illegal activities taking place in their community and they wanted peace returned.

Residents also expect reprisal killings as a result of Hogan’s murder in their area.

Newsday understands that during the five hour operation K-9 dogs were also used in a bid to search for drugs and this was also welcomed by residents who claim that the sale of drugs was destroying their community.

Newsday understands similar exercises will be carried out for the month of December leading up to the Yuletide period.

The exercise formed part of the anti-crime initiative to deal with crime throughout the country.