In a significant blow to transnational drug trafficking, authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have successfully intercepted a vessel carrying an estimated TT$29 million worth of high-grade cannabis originating from Venezuela. The operation, a testament to robust intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation, took place in the early hours of Friday, September 12, 2025.
Major Drug Bust at Sea
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), in close collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) and international partners, executed the successful interception of a fishing vessel, commonly known as a pirogue, off the Point Fortin coastline. The vessel was reportedly en route from Venezuela to Trinidad when it was intercepted around 3 a.m. During the operation, occupants of the vessel attempted to evade capture by throwing several large garbage bags overboard into the sea.
A Significant Haul
Officers recovered nine crocus bags containing approximately 268 brown-wrapped packets of cannabis from the waters surrounding the vessel. The seized narcotics have an estimated combined weight of 268 kilograms, with a staggering street value of TT$29,412,196. This high-grade Colombian “Creepy” cannabis strain is a recurring concern in regional drug seizures, highlighting the sophisticated supply chains involved.
Intelligence-Led Operation
The successful interdiction was prompted by credible intelligence received by a specialised unit of the TTPS on Thursday, September 11. The intelligence indicated that a substantial consignment of illicit cannabis was being transported from Venezuela to Trinidad. This information was corroborated by international counterparts, enabling the TTPS to immediately coordinate with the TTCG and alert them to the vessel’s movement. The precise nature of the international partnership was not disclosed by the TTPS, but it underscores the critical role of shared intelligence in combating cross-border crime.
Fugitives at Large
During the maritime confrontation, three individuals managed to escape the vessel and fled into the sea. Authorities are currently conducting an ongoing search for the fugitives. Two individuals, identified as a Trinidadian national and a Latin American national, were detained aboard the vessel and have been handed over to police for further enquiries. The detained suspects, along with the vessel and the seized narcotics, were transported to Staubles Bay.
Broader Regional Context
This significant seizure occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional concern over drug trafficking routes emanating from Venezuela. Just eleven days prior, the United States Navy conducted a kinetic strike on a vessel in the southern Caribbean that US officials identified as a drug-smuggling boat from Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of all 11 individuals on board. While the US stated that vessel was bound for Trinidad and Tobago, the incident added to the complex geopolitical narrative surrounding maritime security in the region.
Commissioner of Police, Allister Guevarro, commended the operation, stating, “This successful interception highlights the strength of the TTPS’s intelligence apparatus and the effectiveness of precision policing when supported by our regional and international partners.” He emphasized the transnational nature of the illegal narcotics trade, noting that “no single man, nor island can combat it alone.” The Commissioner added, “This operation demonstrates the results we can achieve when agencies work together and share intelligence. We will continue to build on these relationships to protect our borders and dismantle criminal networks that are the nucleus of most of the serious violence and crime we face in our country.”
Ongoing Investigations and Future Outlook
Investigations into this latest drug bust are ongoing, with authorities seeking to identify the full network involved in this smuggling attempt. This news is a stark reminder of the continuous battle against drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The TTPS remains committed to leveraging intelligence and collaborative efforts to safeguard the nation’s borders and combat the flow of illicit substances. The ongoing efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle further smuggling operations are a priority in the fight against organized crime.
This developing news story underscores the persistent challenges of drug interdiction and the importance of international cooperation in addressing these evolving threats. The seizure marks a significant win for law enforcement, disrupting a substantial flow of illegal cannabis into the region.
