Cops find $136m in weed in Maracas

Police seized $136 million worth of marijuana in a secluded inlet on the coast of Maracas on April 4.

A release from the police on April 4 said a specialist unit and police from the Northern Division joined with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) to conduct the operation.

"The specialist unit received information early this morning from a confidential source, which indicated that a known drug trafficking network had recently imported a substantial consignment of narcotics from South America.

"The drugs were stashed in a remote, sea-accessible location in the Maracas area, pending further transshipment to other regional territories."

Forty-five bales containing Colombian "Creepy" cannabis, consisting of 2,250 packets with a combined weight of 1242.9 kilogrammes, were seized.

The marijuana had an estimated street value of $136,404,546. Each bale had 50 packets.

Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin said the significant seizure underscores the commitment of the police to protect the country from transnational criminals.

"We remain vigilant in our efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade and will continue to leverage intelligence and work closely with our local, regional, and international law enforcement partners."

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Intelligence and Investigations Suzette Martin said the operation's success showed the effectiveness of it's intelligence-gathering systems.

"Intelligence-led policing continues to be a cornerstone of our strategic approach to tackling organised crime and narcotics trafficking."

Police said no arrests were made and investigations are ongoing.