A police exercise in Rio Claro has led to the arrest of four people in separate incidents, as well as the seizure of marijuana plants, wildlife carcasses and agricultural produce.
An official statement from the Police Service indicates that search warrants were executed at seven residences in the Rio Claro district during the exercise which occurred on Sunday 8 November 2020, between the hours of 10:30 am and 5 pm.
The TTPS confirms that 32-year-old JAKIM SYDNEY, along with JULIE ALEXIS, both of San Pedro Road, Rio Claro, were arrested and charged for possession of animals listed in the Third Schedule of the Conservation of Wildlife Act. They also were charged for possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
Officers executing the warrant allegedly found four transparent packages of cannabis weighing 285 grams, as well as $19,500, a small scale, and transparent wrapping. Two armadillo carcasses also were found at the residence. The couple was formally charged by PC Kallicharan.
In the second incident, 53-year-old CARL RAMNARINE, of Railway Road, Brothers Road, Rio Claro, was arrested for cultivating cannabis. Police officers allegedly found at his home two fully grown cannabis trees, as well as 27 small cannabis trees. He was formally charged by PC Mahabir.
The third incident involved the arrest of 25-year-old SAYID BAKSH, of Legendre Road, Ecclesville, Rio Claro. He was charged with praedial larceny, and also with being found on cultivated lands by WPC Farrier, after 25 bunches of plantain valued at $2,250, allegedly were found in his possession.
The exercise was supervised by Ag Sgt Maharaj and included the warrant officer, as well as officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Task Force, Charge Room, Emergency Response Patrol (ERP), and the Canine Unit.