By Sue-Ann Wayow
A TRINIDAD and Tobago national was extradited from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States to face federal charges in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Shurlan Guppy was extradited on Tuesday having been under investigation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Division since 2019.
A media release from the US Embassy on Wednesday said he was escorted from Trinidad and Tobago to the US by Deputy Marshals from the United States Marshals Service and Special Agents from the DEA.
The embassy stated, “Playing key roles and critical to the successful extradition were the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, including the Transnational Organized Crime Unit, the Central Authority of the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Immigration, the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, the US Customs and Border Protection, the US Diplomatic Security Service, the US Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, and the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.”
After a lengthy investigation and cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement authorities, Guppy was arrested on September 26, 2023, at a house in Goodwood Park, Port of Spain.
On July 31, 2024, a Port of Spain Magistrate approved Guppy’s extradition to the United States. He appealed the matter and on March 25, 2025, a Trinidad and Tobago Appeal Court judge dismissed the matter, clearing the way for Guppy’s extradition.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Dr Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, said, “This extradition is indicative of the strong law enforcement relationships and close cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, as we continue to work together to make our countries safer and prosecute criminal activities.”
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge, Michael A. Miranda, said, “The successful extradition of Shurlan Guppy is a powerful testament to the strength of international cooperation and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement on both sides of the Caribbean.”
“I commend the dedicated efforts of DEA Special Agents who worked tirelessly alongside other US and TT agencies. Together, we sent a clear message that transnational criminal organizations will be pursued relentlessly, no matter where they hide. This operation reflects the professionalism, coordination, and resolve that define our shared mission to safeguard our communities from the threat of drug trafficking,” he added.
