PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Friday said that a “security-related matter” involving a cargo aircraft had occurred at the Piarco International Airport on Thursday and “is currently engaging the attention of state security agencies”.

In a statement, the TTPS said that in keeping with the heightened security posture under the ongoing state of emergency (SOE), routine checks identified irregularities which required immediate precautionary action.

“The aircraft was secured, the crew accounted for and all relevant national security units activated in accordance with established protocols.”

The TTPS gave no details, but media reports said that the aircraft in question belonged to Ukraine and had explosive material on board.

“At no time was there any threat to the travelling public, airport operations or the wider national community. The situation remained calm, controlled and professionally managed,” the TTPS said in its statement.

It added that “this matter now forms part of an active, multi-agency national security investigation”.

“In light of recent intelligence assessments and international security obligations, no further operational details can be released at this time.

“The TTPS assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Additional information will be provided only when it is safe and appropriate to do so.”

The statement by the police follows the disclosure earlier this week by Attorney General John Jeremie that a national security incident had been sparked by a gang member last Friday, triggering a higher degree of protection for legislators in the Parliament.

“I’m authorised by the commissioner of police to say that last Friday, a member of one of those gangs in that community sparked a national security incident, such that all of us in this Parliament were protected to a higher degree and certain officials in the government were given additional protection.”

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro later collaborated with Jeremie’s statement.

“I can confirm that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service responded to a security-related matter last Friday, which required enhanced protective measures at Parliament and for a small number of government officials. The TTPS acted out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with established national security protocols.

“Given the nature of the matter and consistent with our obligations under national security, I am not at liberty to disclose operational details of the incident, the TTPS’ response or specifics regarding individuals. What I can assure is that the TTPS continues to actively assess all risks and will adjust protective measures as required to ensure the safety of our national institutions and our citizens,” Guevarro added.

But the main Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has dismissed the threat, saying that the Government was laying the groundwork for an extension of the SOE that is due to expire next month.

Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales told reporters that he was present in the Parliament until late Friday evening and neither he nor any other opposition legislator experienced disruptions or observed heightened security protocols.

“It is a great and a grand deception led by the attorney general…When we left the Parliament on Friday night, there was no heightened sense of security or presence around the Parliament. When we stayed in the Parliament from 1:30 pm (local time) up to 7:00 pm, no one briefed us as Members of Parliament.

“No one briefed the leader of the Opposition that there were specific threats surrounding the Parliament against Members of Parliament and, therefore, certain actions had to be taken to ensure we were safe. Absolutely nothing. As a matter of fact, when we left, most of the government officials had already left because they had another engagement,” Gonsalves said, reiterating that it is the Government’s way of setting up the plot before coming to declare three more months living under an SOE.

“I want to advise the commissioner of police, do not allow your office to be used as the mouthpiece of propaganda by this…government,” he added.