By Alicia Chamely
A targeted raid at the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca, prompted by a threatening voice note circulating on social media, has led to the seizure of multiple cellular devices and the discovery of key intelligence alleged to be associated with threats against law enforcement personnel.
According to a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) on Wednesday, a raid was carried out between 7 pm and 11 pm on Tuesday in response to a voice note being circulated that threatened the lives of senior law enforcement officials.
The TTPS stated several cells were searched resulting in the recovery and seizure of several cellular devices, cellular accessories, quantities of marijuana and cigarette packages.
Additionally, the TTPS stated seven handwritten notes were also seized and were currently being analysed.
The raid was led by Commissioner of Police (CoP) Allister Guevarro and Commissioner of Prisons Carlos Corraspe and coordinated by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), ‘Intelligence and Investigations’, Suzette Martin and Assistant Commissioner of Prisons, Lee Davis.
The release stated, “The multi-agency initiative, comprising officers of the Northern Division Criminal Investigations Department, the North Central Division Task Force, Area East, a specialist unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Crime Scene Investigators and the office of the DCP I&I, was executed to mitigate risk and disrupt any internal communications that may be linked to the external threats.”
Commenting on the raid, CoP Guevarro said, “It also underscores an unwavering commitment to safeguarding law enforcement personnel and fortifying the country’s correctional infrastructure against illicit activity.
The alleged voice note has been circulating on social media.
In the voice note, an unidentified man, who is purported to be detained in prison, said, “The message (name called) send through (name called) is any off-duty police, any khaki suit, for we to start to purge de place and put it on dem.”
The man said, “Whatever guns I had to send, I would organise it, I go send it, whatever vehicle hadda take, I go organise and send it.”
Addressing who the voice note was for and alleging that criminal activity was being organised within the jails, the man said, “I know all yuh does see me active and ting, but I going through real oppression and depression in the jail here.”
Responding to news of the threatening voice note on Tuesday, the Prison Officers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago put out an advisory to its officers on its Facebook page.
The message read, “Members please be guided. A very alarming and concerning threat was made against the lives of law enforcement officers of Trinidad and Tobago from members of known gangs. Please be aware of your surroundings as it is claimed that the targets are both Police and Prison officers, especially those off duty!!! The Prison Officers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago will not keep officers in the dark about any active threats. Please be safe and firstly report any strange activity to your nearest police station.”
A State of Emergency (SoE) was declared on July 18 by President Christine Kangaloo under the advice of CoP Allister Guevarro.
In a press conference held later that day, Guevarro said an intelligence report had been presented to him alleging a highly organised criminal syndicate was working within the prisons to coordinate attacks on high-ranking members of the police service and justice system.
