By Sue-Ann Wayow
TWO suspects were fatally shot on Friday when police carried out a covert sting operation aimed at addressing the surge in robberies linked to Facebook Marketplace transactions.
This was confirmed by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in a media release stated that officers attached to the North Central Division, in collaboration with a specialist unit conducted an intelligence-based operation along Mt Hope Road, St Joseph.
The operation stemmed from information regarding a Facebook Marketplace arrangement to purchase a vehicle.
“The transaction was actually a set up for a robbery,” Guevarro said in an audio recording.
As part of the covert exercise, officers posed as prospective buyers.
Upon arrival at the location, four men approached the officers and announced a robbery. Officers were confronted by the suspects who upon realising who they were, discharged firearms in their direction and officers responded in keeping with the Use of Force Policy and returned fire.
Three male suspects sustained gunshot injuries. One was arrested at the scene, while another suspect escaped. The injured persons were taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex for medical treatment, where two of the suspects were pronounced dead on arrival. The third suspect is receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained under police guard.
Two firearms were recovered at the scene.
Guevarro said the TTPS was engaged in a manhunt to find the fourth suspect and asked if anyone has information about the person to inform the police.
He warned, “If we should find out, that you are hiding that individual, you will feel the full brunt of the law!”
Guevarro also cautioned, “Members of the public, I am strongly urging you to exercise caution when conducting business with anonymous individuals online particularly through platforms such as Facebook Marketplace. Criminals continue to exploit these digital spaces to entice unsuspecting citizens to dangerous situations.”
He said, “Always verify identities, insist on safe meeting locations and avoid attending transactions alone.”
To the criminals, Guevarro said, “For those of you who believe that you can use online platforms to ambush our citizens, or target police officers, just know that if you come to commit a violent crime, expect to meet officers, who are trained, prepared and who are ready to act decisively and within the law.”
Guevarro again pledged commitment to dealing with the criminal network using measures within the law.
