Trinidad National Sentenced for Smuggling Firearms into Home Country

In a significant legal outcome, Videsh Chandoo, a 44-year-old national from Trinidad and Tobago, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in Florida last month for his role in smuggling firearms and ammunition into his home country. Chandoo was charged on June 26, 2025, after authorities intercepted his attempts to bring seven pistols and 332 rounds of ammunition from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago. The smuggling operation was uncovered following a seizure in Port of Spain in July 2023. Judge William P. Dimitrouleas presided over the case, which highlighted the effective collaboration between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago in combating illegal arms trafficking. After serving his prison term, Chandoo will also face three years of supervised release.