Police in Trinidad and Tobago have arrested 56 people and seized six illegal firearms and 33 rounds of ammunition during the first 24 hours of the newly declared state of emergency (SoE), according to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
The arrests and seizures occurred between midnight on July 18 and the same time on July 19, during a total of 104 police operations conducted across multiple divisions. Officers targeted organised criminal and gang-related activity, carrying out 629 searches and recording 407 traffic offences during strategic roadblock operations.
In a statement, the TTPS said the coordinated crackdown formed part of a broader effort to dismantle armed criminal networks and restore public confidence and safety.
“These actions formed part of a strategic offensive targeting individuals affiliated with organised criminal syndicates and gangs operating across multiple divisions,” the TTPS said.
“Several zones registered heightened activity, with concentrated efforts aimed at intercepting persons linked to criminal networks.”
The firearms recovered included pistols, a revolver, a shotgun, and a rifle.
“These recoveries reflect the TTPS’ focus on dismantling armed elements within known gang corridors and neutralising the identified threat actors who pose a risk to public safety,” the police said.
“The TTPS remains steadfast in its mission to protect citizens and restore order. Law enforcement operations will continue with tactical precision and community sensitivity throughout the emergency period with little disruption to law-abiding citizens, who are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through official channels,” it added.
The state of emergency was declared last Friday after police intelligence reportedly uncovered a criminal conspiracy operating from within the prison system. Authorities said the network had been plotting to assassinate senior police officers, members of the judiciary, and employees at the state prosecution office.
The TTPS said it remains resolute in its efforts to subdue identified threat actors, suppress gang activity, and uphold the rule of law.
