By Sue-Ann Wayow
A TOTAL of 73,900 illicit cigarettes have been removed from the local market.
The items were removed during an operation executed by the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF), in the Eastern Division this week, a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) stated.
Operation Inchbrook 9 was conducted between 10 am and 5 pm on Wednesday during which MATF officials carried out inspections of tobacco products and other goods on sale, for compliance with the Tobacco Control Act, Standards Act and for Health and Safety requirements.
During the exercise, two locations in the Rio Claro district were searched resulting in the seizure of large quantities of illicit cigarettes, alcohol, pharmaceuticals and electrical items.
Multiple fire prevention deficiencies and electrical hazards were also identified at the two locations.
The operation included officials of the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, the Customs and Excise Division, the Ministry of Health, the Government Electrical Inspectorate and the OSHA Department of the Ministry of Labour.
