Three Trinidad citizens, including an active-duty police officer, were arrested on December 30, 2025, in a joint operation led by U.S. Embassy personnel and Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement, authorities confirmed.
The arrests—Rafael Joseph, a serving Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) officer, Michael McSween, and Clevon Persad—stem from charges filed in the Eastern District of New York for conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, along with firearms offenses linked to a 2024 DEA investigation.
The operation was executed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Vetted Unit, with support from the TTPS Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU).
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz described the arrests as a “great example of bilateral cooperation” and a major blow to both drug trafficking and public corruption. “The outstanding cooperation between the U.S. DEA’s Vetted Unit and TTPS units shows the multiplier power of agencies of both of our great countries working together,” she said.
Trinidad and Tobago Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro emphasized the significance of the operation for accountability within the police service. “This joint operation reflects the strength of our international partnerships and our unwavering commitment to accountability at every level of the organisation. The TTPS remains resolute in upholding the highest standards of integrity,” he said, noting that the officer is now awaiting deportation.
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda added that the arrests send a strong message that “no one is above the law,” highlighting the impact of international collaboration on combating both organized crime and corruption.
The arrests mark a major milestone in ongoing efforts by U.S. and Trinidad authorities to disrupt narcotics and firearms trafficking networks while reinforcing integrity within law enforcement agencies.
