BVI businessman and two Saint Lucians detained after Trinidad cocaine seizure

Police in Trinidad and Tobago detained a businessman from the British Virgin Islands and two Saint Lucians after finding about 416.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside heavy machinery tyres. Authorities estimated the drugs’ street value at TT$193.5 million.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service said the 42-year-old businessman and the two Saint Lucians, aged 38 and 37, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation in the Longdenville Police District. Their names have not been released.

The operation began at 3:40 a.m. on September 2 and ended at 3:30 a.m. the following day. Officers searched a residence, warehouse and surrounding compound on Pokhor Road for firearms, narcotics and other prohibited items under Section 12 of Trinidad and Tobago’s Emergency Powers Regulations 2026.

Inside the warehouse, officers found six large backhoe tyres mounted on rims. Further examination revealed rectangular packages concealed in four of the tyres. Customs and Excise officers helped weigh the 420 packages, which had a combined estimated weight of 416.5 kilograms and a value of TT$193,522,560.

Police said the BVI businessman was arrested on suspicion of offences linked to the seizure. They did not identify his business or explain his alleged connection to the premises or the cocaine. The seized packages were taken to the Special Investigations Unit in Port of Spain, while the three men were taken to St Joseph Police Station pending further enquiries.