By Nalini Sudama

COMMISSIONER of Police (CoP) Allister Guevarro has confirmed that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has long been pursuing operations on illegal quarrying.

In a media release on Friday, Guevarro said, “For several years, we have been actively pursuing offenders, charging them before the courts, and dismantling the networks behind these operations. Our actions are not directed at any one individual.”

He said, “We are confronting a criminal enterprise that robs the nation of its resources, undermines lawful industry, and finances organized criminal gangs.”

According to him, 19 persons were arrested for mining and 28 for mineral processing, both without licenses issued by the Director of Minerals or the State Land Commissioner between 2020 and 2025.

Based on the release, the number of persons charged for mining during the following years and areas was:

• 2020 – 12 in Wallerfield and Sangre Grande.

• 2022 – Three in Matura.

• 2023 – Four in Vega De Oropouche.

The number of persons charged for processing minerals was:

• 2024 – Nine in Wallerfield

• 2025 – 19 in Manuel Congo, Arima

Guevarro warned “persons involved in this illegal enterprise which has long been fuelling homicides, extortion and gangs to cease and desist.”

“Those involved in these acts have sought to portray themselves as victims, but the facts are clear, as they were engaged in criminal activity that robs the nation of its resources and fuels organized crime,” he said.

He emphasized that true victims are citizens whose lands and communities are being exploited by criminal groups.

Quoting himself in the release, he said, “Don’t play victim to the media on one hand, while you’re holding the shovel that digs the country’s grave in the other. It is akin to a thief coming to your house to rob you and getting vex because you put up burglar proofing.”