PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said marijuana worth more than TT$10 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) had been seized during two law enforcement operations over the past 24 hours.

In a statement, police said the TTPS dealt another serious blow to the illegal drug trade with the seizure of approximately 100 kilograms of cannabis during a routine stop and search operation along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway.

It said that on March 17, officers attached to the Highway Patrol Task Force conducted a roving stop and search operation in the La Horquetta district in central Trinidad and that while on patrol, officers received intelligence regarding a vehicle, suspected to be transporting firearms.

“Officers observed the vehicle proceeding west along the highway and initiated a traffic stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers observed several large rectangular plastic packages and two large crocus bags containing multiple smaller brown rectangular packets in the vehicle.

“When examined, the officers discovered that the packages contained cannabis. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was immediately informed of the offence of possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking and was arrested,” the TTPS said in a statement.

It said the authorities seized 99 kilograms of Creepy Colombian cannabis, with a street value of TT$10,864,953.

“Road stop and search exercises are a critical component of crime-fighting efforts, allowing law enforcement to intercept illegal drugs, firearms and wanted persons before they can cause harm. These operations are especially vital during the ongoing state of emergency, as they enhance public safety by restricting and preventing criminal activities,” said Senior Superintendent, Highway Patrol Branch, Garvin Simon.

Police also detained a couple, seized a firearm and discovered a cannabis grow room this week.

The authorities said that a team of officers from the Debe Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch conducted a surveillance exercise in Penal and saw a vehicle being driven by an individual known to them approaching the location.

“When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver ignored their lawful instructions and attempted to flee, prompting a chase. The officers successfully intercepted the vehicle…which was occupied by the 27-year-old driver, his 23-year-old common-law wife and their one-year-old baby.”

The police said a search of the vehicle uncovered a Taurus pistol fitted with a magazine containing six rounds of ammunition and that further checks at the suspect’s residence led to the discovery of a cannabis grow room, where 157 plants, with an estimated street value of TT$410,000.00 were seized.