PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is promising a swift response, including a heightened security coordination between the police and airport officials in the wake of an incident at the airport on Thursday morning that led to the death of a passenger.

The police report that Arkim Quash, 38, was gunned down by men as he was picked up at the Arrivals Terminal of the Piarco International Airport just before 2:00 am (local time).

A second man was shot in both legs by the gunmen, who sped off.

Speaking with Guardian Media, Benjamin said he felt the shooting was a result of criminals who were testing the resolve of the authorities.

He added that he has already been in contact with his subordinates and security officials at the airport and was confident that investigators were making inroads in the murder enquiry.

“Based on our intelligence, we are making progress for some pertinent information and can solve this.

“We understand what is happening and we are seeking to up the security around the airport immediately when we heard about it.

“We will continue to beef up the security posture around the airport and around Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

Benjamin acknowledged that this was the first time there had been such a violent incident on the compound of the Piarco International Airport and attributed it to desperate criminals who wanted to test the capabilities of the authorities.

He warned that such action would not be tolerated even after the conclusion of the state of emergency.

“We are keeping our eyes on the pulse and we’re not going to relent.

“We have put things in place to ensure we have the necessary warrants to go into homes once we recognise people are involved in crime,” he said.

Benjamin said Quash was known to police, adding that officers were considering all leads possible.