By Sue-Ann Wayow
MORE than $500,000 worth in alcohol was recovered at compound in Freeport.
Police reported on Wednesday that 272 boxes of one-litre White Oak, 25 boxes of Absolut Vodka, four boxes of Black and White whiskey valued were sized by Customs officers during an “Operation Sea Breeze” exercise conducted between 12 midnight to 6am on Wednesday in the Central Division.
Police arrested Kerry Ramphal, 41, who is expected to appear before the Comptroller of Customs today.
Officers executed a search warrant at a compound located at Lady Helena Gardens, Calcutta No.1, Freeport.
During the search, the officers allegedly discovered a large quantity of alcohol on the compound.
A 41-year-old self-employed salesman was interviewed, but he was unable to provide a satisfactory account regarding the large quantity of alcohol.
Officers of the Customs and Exercise Division were contacted and upon their arrival, examined approximately 300 boxes of alcohol.
They concluded that all boxes containing alcohol were stamped and tagged for export and had already been shipped out of Trinidad and Tobago and could not have been shipped to the country unless smuggled without proper duties being paid.
Ramphal, who does not hold a license to sell alcohol, was subsequently detained and charged with unlawful possession of alcohol.
The exercise was coordinated by Snr Supt Neil Brandon-John, ASP Simon, supervised by Sgt Crawford and included members of the South Western Division Task Force, Inter Agency Task Force and Customs and Excise Division.
