Officers Navigate Prison Ventilation System to Uncover Major Contraband Cache

MEDIA RELEASE
November 26th, 2025

Officers Navigate Prison Ventilation System to Uncover Major Contraband Cache

A team of specialized officers uncovered a significant quantity of contraband after maneuvering through several meters of tight ceiling vents at the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca on Tuesday evening.

The find resulted from an intelligence-driven operation overseen by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, Acting Commissioner of Prisons Hayden Forde, Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin, and Senior Superintendents Raymond Thom, Maynard-Wilson and Gift.

Between 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025, officers conducted an extensive sweep of the prison’s ventilation system. Their efforts led to the discovery of a large assortment of prohibited items, including:
• 62 cell phones
• 235 cigarette packs
• 3 kilogrammes of marijuana
• 8 grammes of cocaine
• 1 solar charger
• A substantial amount of wrapping paper
• Various chargers and USB cables
• 3 screwdrivers
• 1 hammer
• 1 four-inch carving knife
• 1 surge protector
• 1 electric kettle
• 1 G-Shock watch
• 1 sports watch
• 1 shortened cutlass
• TT$2,012 in cash
• Battery-powered electrical circuits
• Headsets
• 4 digital scales
• 1 Wi-Fi box
• 2 power banks
• 1 bottle of men’s cologne
• Several razor blades
• 3 tattoo needles

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Prisons Lee Davis, Superintendent Modestte, ASP Stanley, Sgt. Cesar of the Northern North Gang Unit, Cpl Brown of the Northern North Task Force, Cpl Williams and Cpl Hyde of the DCP Operations Team. The team also included PCs Fabres, Parsons, Gibson, Stanley, WPC Joseph, and members of the Prison Emergency Response Unit.

Investigations are currently underway.

Corporate Communications Unit
November 26th, 2025

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