By Sue-Ann Wayow

A POLICE officer is among three persons charged in New York for conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States and firearms.

The US Embassy in a media release on Tuesday stated that on December 30, 2025, the embassy’s personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Vetted Unit, supported by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) successfully executed three Provisional Arrest Warrants for Trinidad citizens Rafael Joseph, Michael McSween, and Clevon Persad.

Joseph is a TTPS active-duty police officer.

All three are charged in the Eastern District of New York for conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States and firearms offenses stemming from a 2024 DEA investigation that was supported by the DEA New York Field Division, the release stated.

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said, “This was a great example of bilateral cooperation between our two countries and a significant blow to not only drug and firearms trafficking, but also against public corruption with the arrest of the police officer.  The outstanding cooperation between the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Vetted Unit and SIU and TOCU shows the multiplier power of agencies of both of our great countries working together.”

Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro confirmed the arrest of Joseph who is now awaiting deportation.

He stated in the release, “The TTPS remains resolute in upholding the highest standards of integrity, and we will continue to work with our global counterparts to ensure that anyone who betrays the public trust is brought to justice.”

DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael A Miranda also said the operation with the varying agencies sends a clear message that no one was above the law.

“Together, we are not only dismantling drug and firearms trafficking networks, but also confronting public corruption head-on. When trusted partnerships stand united, our communities are safer and justice prevails,” he said.