PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The police in Trinidad and Tobago made 56 arrests and seized six illegal firearms and 33 rounds of ammunition during the first 24 hours of a state of emergency (SOE) declared in the twin-island republic.

From midnight on July 18 to the same time on July 19, officers carried out 104 operations across multiple divisions, targeting organised criminal and gang-related activity. In the process, they conducted 629 searches and recorded 407 traffic offences from strategic roadblock operations.

In a statement on Saturday, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said the coordinated actions were part of efforts to dismantle armed criminal networks and restore public confidence and safety.

“These actions formed part of a strategic offensive targeting individuals affiliated with organised criminal syndicates and gangs operating across multiple divisions,” the TTPS said.

“Several zones registered heightened activity, with concentrated efforts aimed at intercepting persons linked to criminal networks.”

The guns recovered in the operations included pistols, a revolver, a shotgun and a rifle.

“These recoveries reflect the TTPS’ focus on dismantling armed elements within known gang corridors and neutralising the identified threat actors who pose a risk to public safety,” the police said.

“The TTPS remains steadfast in its mission to protect citizens and restore order. Law enforcement operations will continue with tactical precision and community sensitivity throughout the emergency period with little disruption to law-abiding citizens, who are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through official channels.”

The SOE was declared last Friday, with authorities reporting that police intelligence had pointed to a criminal network operating from within the prison system, with plans to assassinate senior police officers, members of the judiciary and employees at the state prosecution office.

The TTPS said it remains resolute in its actions to subdue the identified threat actors, suppress gang activity and uphold the rule of law.