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VI businessman among 3 held in $193.5m cocaine bust in T&T

September 3rd, 2026 | Tags: cocaine bust VI businessman Trinidad
A 42-year-old Virgin Islands businessman is among three people detained after police seized 416.5 kg of cocaine valued at $193.5 million hidden inside backhoe tyres during an intelligence-led raid in Longdenville, Trinidad. Photo: CNC3
In total, 420 packages were recovered and, with assistance from Customs and Excise officers, weighed at approximately 416.5 kg of cocaine. Photo: Team of Reporters
In total, 420 packages were recovered and, with assistance from Customs and Excise officers, weighed at approximately 416.5 kg of cocaine. Photo: Team of Reporters
LONGDENVILLE, Trinidad and Tobago — A 42-year-old Virgin Islands businessman is among three people detained after police seized 416.5 kg of cocaine valued at $193.5 million hidden inside backhoe tyres during an intelligence-led raid in Longdenville, Trinidad.

According to an article from CNC3, the operation ran from 3:40 a.m. Wednesday to 3:30 a.m. Thursday in the Longdenville Police District, targeting suspected concealment of firearms and narcotics along Pokhor Road. Acting under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2026, officers searched a residence, warehouse and surrounding compound for prohibited items.

420 packages recovered

Inside the warehouse, six large backhoe tyres mounted on rims drew closer inspection; rectangular packages were found concealed within four of the tyres. In total, 420 packages were recovered and, with assistance from Customs and Excise officers, weighed at approximately 416.5 kg of cocaine. 

The article added that the VI businessman was arrested on suspicion of offences connected to the seizure; two Saint Lucian nationals, aged 38 and 37, were also detained. The three were taken to the St Joseph Police Station for further enquiries, while the drugs were moved to the Special Investigations Unit in Port of Spain.

Investigations are continuing. 

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