Port of Spain, 07 Dec. 05 [AlterPresse] --- Police are alarmed by the discovery of four canisters of tear gas found among a seizure of cocaine and ammunition during a raid at a Morvant house on Tuesday 6.
Investigators said yesterday that the tear gas had been smuggled into T&T from Venezuela, along with 13.7 kilos of pure cocaine and a quantity of assorted ammunition.
There were no arrests.
The seizure was made by Morvant detectives and members of North Eastern Division’s Task Force under Snr Supt Waldron Bishop, who goes on pre-retirement leave tomorrow.
Officers said a tip-off led them to an unoccupied house at Mon Repos around 5.30 pm.
They found the high-quality cocaine, four canisters of tear gas and 469 rounds of assorted ammunition.
The Organised Crime, Narcotics and Firearms Bureau said the cocaine had an estimated street value of $6 million.
The calibres of ammunition include .357, .380, .38 and .03 which are used in high-powered rifles.
Police believe the house was being used by criminals as a hideout to store the illegal items, which were being moved out in portions.
The tear gas was a source of grave concern, officers said, adding that information leaked to them suggested the canisters, drugs and ammunition, were brought in by boat a few days ago.
Police said they also found out that it was a total of 15 kilos of cocaine that had been shipped in. But two kilos were quickly moved out of the hideout by the local traffickers.
Detectives said the seized items will be taken to the Forensic Science Centre as part of their ongoing investigation.
They said they were continuing their investigation in an attempt to find out who the tear gas had been imported for and for what purpose.
Members of the Inter-Agency Task Force and Port-of-Spain Divisional Task Force also took part in the exercise.
Sources said warrants may be issued for the arrest of at least two people in connection with the seizure. [Exilus Deceon apr 07/12/2005 22:10]
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