State of Emergency Recommended Amid Rising Threat from Prison-Based Criminal Network

In Trinidad and Tobago, a State of Emergency has been proposed by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro following alarming intelligence about a coordinated criminal network operating from within the country’s correctional facilities. This network is reportedly orchestrating targeted attacks against high-ranking officials and national institutions. Recent findings indicate that incarcerated individuals are using both internal and external channels to plan these attacks, which are part of a broader campaign involving various criminal entities. Key targets include senior police officers, judiciary members, and personnel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, as well as prison service officers.

The intelligence highlights the role of unauthorized cellular devices smuggled into prisons by compromised staff, facilitating encrypted communications and real-time coordination with external operatives. The funding for these operations stems from violent crimes and organized criminal activities, including armed robberies and extortion. Given the scale and sophistication of these threats, conventional law enforcement measures are deemed insufficient.

To address this, the proposed State of Emergency aims to empower law enforcement with rapid containment actions and enhanced interagency coordination. Notably, no curfew is currently recommended. A specialized Threat Response Group has been formed, bringing together various law enforcement agencies to tackle this crisis. An emergency briefing for the Prime Minister and Attorney General was conducted, leading to immediate actions to disrupt the criminal command structures within prisons, including the relocation of key incarcerated individuals. Ongoing operations are underway as law enforcement works to neutralize the threat and ensure national stability.