Tobago now shipment, trans-shipment point for narcotics

(Trinidad Express) Police officers met Thursday with members of the media at the Scarborough Police Station Headquarters to discuss the issue of crime on the island.

Senior Superintendent Garfield Moore said all efforts will be made to rid the island of the drug and criminal element.

“We are aware that Tobago has become a shipment point and a trans-shipment point for narcotics, and over the years we have been clamouring for our borders to be safe. We have to do it in-house now when it arrives here to see how best we can take it off the streets,” Moore said.

On July 15 over one million dollars in marijuana was confiscated by Tobago Task Force Officers. The drugs when weighed came to a total of 101 kilos, valued TT$1.174 million.

According to police reports five men were seen along Chance Street, Buccoo around 11.30 p.m. on July 15, walking with a number of crocus bags. Officers called out to the men who dropped the bags and ran away. Officers suspect the drugs might have come to Tobago’s shores via St Vincent.

Questioned on the 21st Century policing Initiative and its effectiveness, Moore said there were pros and cons in its execution, however more officers are in the field and the response is more timely.

“Yes, you might have challenges in that some reports take a longer time to be dealt with,” Moore said.

And while the strength of the Police Force in Tobago remains a challenge, Moore said that will not prevent officers from effectively operating to protect and serve citizens.

“We  have a challenge in terms of our numbers but we are ensuring that what we have we use  it to our optimum , so that we can have some efficiency in doing our job.”

He however admitted that crimes against tourists are on the rise in Tobago, but not with respect to major incidents.