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A 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands is among three men arrested in Trinidad and Tobago following the seizure of approximately 416.5 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden inside backhoe tyres.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said the cocaine has an estimated street value of TT$193,522,560.
“A 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands was arrested on suspicion of offences connected with the seizure, while two Saint Lucian nationals, aged 38 and 37, were also detained,” the TTPS stated.
The intelligence-led operation was conducted in the Longdenville Police District from 3:40 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, to 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 3.
According to the TTPS, “Police enquiries centred on the suspected concealment of illegal firearms and narcotics at premises along Pokhor Road, Longdenville.”
Police said officers entered the identified premises under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2026 and searched a residence, warehouse and the surrounding compound for firearms, narcotics and other prohibited items.
“During the search, officers observed six large backhoe tyres mounted on rims inside the warehouse. A closer examination revealed rectangular packages concealed within four of the tyres,” the TTPS stated.
“In total, 420 packages were discovered and seized.”
With assistance from Customs and Excise officers, police said the packages were weighed and recorded as having a combined weight of approximately 416.5 kilogrammes.
The TTPS said the operation was coordinated by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Division, Kerwin Francis, with operational leadership provided by Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police St. Clair.
The scene was processed by officers from the Central Division Crime Scene Investigations Unit.
“The seized items were subsequently conveyed to the Special Investigations Unit in Port of Spain. The three detained persons were thereafter conveyed to the St. Joseph Police Station pending further enquiries,” the TTPS stated.
The identities of the detained men were not disclosed. Investigations are continuing.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said the cocaine has an estimated street value of TT$193,522,560.
“A 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands was arrested on suspicion of offences connected with the seizure, while two Saint Lucian nationals, aged 38 and 37, were also detained,” the TTPS stated.
The intelligence-led operation was conducted in the Longdenville Police District from 3:40 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, to 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 3.
According to the TTPS, “Police enquiries centred on the suspected concealment of illegal firearms and narcotics at premises along Pokhor Road, Longdenville.”
Police said officers entered the identified premises under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2026 and searched a residence, warehouse and the surrounding compound for firearms, narcotics and other prohibited items.
“During the search, officers observed six large backhoe tyres mounted on rims inside the warehouse. A closer examination revealed rectangular packages concealed within four of the tyres,” the TTPS stated.
“In total, 420 packages were discovered and seized.”
With assistance from Customs and Excise officers, police said the packages were weighed and recorded as having a combined weight of approximately 416.5 kilogrammes.
The TTPS said the operation was coordinated by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Division, Kerwin Francis, with operational leadership provided by Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police St. Clair.
The scene was processed by officers from the Central Division Crime Scene Investigations Unit.
“The seized items were subsequently conveyed to the Special Investigations Unit in Port of Spain. The three detained persons were thereafter conveyed to the St. Joseph Police Station pending further enquiries,” the TTPS stated.
The identities of the detained men were not disclosed. Investigations are continuing.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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