SEVEN Venezuelans and two Trinidadian men are arrested for being in the possession of protected animals and contraband in Mayaro.
A release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) on Sunday stated that Officers of the Mayaro Criminal Investigations Department, Task Force and Emergency Response Patrol, went to a house at San Sucker Road, Mayaro, on Saturday afternoon.
They executed a search warrant for firearms and ammunition, however, officers found a number of protected birds in undersized cages and a turtle.
In addition, a quantity of food items was also discovered which they believed were illegally imported.
The Venezuelans nationals held will be quarantined at the Chaguaramas Heliport, police said.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture Games Warden Department and Immigration Division were helping with investigations.