BVI Businessman Among Three Detained in Massive
A 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands and two Saint Lucian nationals remain in custody in Trinidad and Tobago following the seizure of 416.5 kilogrammes of cocaine worth over TT$193.5 million. The drugs were discovered hidden inside heavy-duty backhoe tyres during a nearly 24-hour operation in Longdenville.
A 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands has been taken into custody in Trinidad and Tobago alongside two other Caribbean nationals following a major anti-narcotics operation that yielded approximately 416.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, valued at an estimated TT$193,522,560.
According to official statements from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the intelligence-led exercise spanned nearly 24 hours, commencing at 3:40 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, and concluding at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday within the Longdenville Police District. Authorities initiated the operation after receiving actionable intelligence regarding the suspected concealment of illegal firearms and illicit narcotics at a property situated along Pokhor Road.
Acting under the authority of Section 12 of Trinidad and Tobago's Emergency Powers Regulations 2026, law enforcement officers executed a comprehensive search across a residence, an on-site warehouse facility, and the surrounding compound. During the search of the warehouse, officers discovered six large heavy-duty backhoe tyres mounted on rims that immediately drew closer inspection.
A meticulous examination revealed a sophisticated concealment scheme inside four of the tyres, which contained a total of 420 rectangular packages. With assistance from Customs and Excise officials, the seized packages were formally weighed and tested positive for cocaine, confirming a total weight of approximately 416.5 kilogrammes.
The 42-year-old BVI national was arrested on site in connection with the multi-million-dollar haul. Police also detained two Saint Lucian nationals, aged 37 and 38, who were present on the compound during the raid. Official releases did not disclose the nature of the BVI man's business ventures or detail his specific connection to the property and the seized contraband.
The coordinated operation was overseen by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Criminal Division, Kerwin Francis, with tactical field leadership provided by Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police St. Police Constables Naipaul and Frankbull of the Central Division Crime Scene Investigations Unit processed the location and documented physical evidence before the narcotics were transported to the Special Investigations Unit in Port of Spain for secure custody and analytical verification.
The BVI businessman and the two Saint Lucian suspects were conveyed to the St. Joseph Police Station, where they remain detained pending further interrogation. The TTPS has withheld the suspects' identities pending the formal filing of charges as regional and multi-agency investigations continue.
Primary source: 284 Media