The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) has applauded recent action which led to the arrest, by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), of two supermarket owners for engaging in illicit trade.
The TTMA responded to the news in an official statement, in direct response to the Police Service’s own release concerning the matter.
According to the TTMA, it is heartened that the Police Service is tackling illicit trade assiduously, especially given the fact that it is “linked to more organised criminal activities including human trafficking, drug trafficking and smuggling of firearms.”
Below is the official press release containing the TTMA’s response to the Police Service’s media release titled, “Two Supermarket Owners Charged over Illicit Operations”…
BARATARIA, Tuesday, 19 October 2021 — The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) is encouraged to see that action is being taken against those that contribute to illicit trade. In response to the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service’s (TTPS) media release, “Two Supermarket Owners Charged over Illicit Operations”, the TTMA noted that retailers were charged with offences arising out of investigations into reports of illicit trade operations conducted by the multi-Agency task Force of the (TTPS).
Since 2020, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and other key law enforcement and regulatory agencies have taken on the battle to fight illegal trade, and the country is now witnessing the rewards of the labour of the authorities. The Association reiterated that tackling illicit trade is important because it is linked to more organised criminal activities including human trafficking, drug trafficking and smuggling of firearms.
In an article dated September 4, 2021 in the Trinidad Guardian, TTMA’s President Tricia Coosal stated:
“TTMA has seen significant progress as it pertains to the issue of illicit trade and welcomes the intensifying of searches and seizures of such items as it pertains to that aspect of criminal activity in our country. A Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) has been created among the TTPS and other regulatory agencies, including the TTMA, which has increased information sharing among the parties involved. This collaboration has resulted in various seizures of improper goods such as alcohol, arms and ammunition, cigarettes and wrapping paper among other items by the MATF. The publicising of these seizures has increased the awareness of the public on illicit trade and the impact such activities can have on health and safety of the average citizen.”
She noted that significant progress is being seen. Additionally, she thanked the Ministry of Trade and Industry for its role in tackling illicit trade, and for the support of all the enforcement agencies that have joined the fight. The Association believes that private / public partnerships bring entities together and that enforcement, along with more punitive measures act as a deterrent to others who may even consider this type of trade.
In addition to monitoring the retail outlets, the TTMA is cognisant that free trade zones can act as havens for illicit trade. Therefore, it is imperative that companies in free zones do not become clearing houses for illicit products. Several international organisations (namely the Economic Intelligence Unit, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade, and the World Health Organisation) have provided some recommendations to address illicit trade in the Free Zones. TTMA believes that the enforcement agencies can review these recommendations and adapt where practical.
Finally, the Association continues to do its part to educate members of the public about this societal problem. Thus, the TTMA, in collaboration with M. Hamel Smith & the International Trademark Association, would be hosting a webinar focused on policies to address counterfeiting. This webinar would feature representatives of major international brands of alcohol and tobacco, as well as a local expert on copyright issues.
For further information on this Policy Dialogue – Best Practices in Anti-Counterfeiting Enforcement in the Caribbean webinar, please contact the TTMA Secretariat at 675-8862 ext. 225 or 239.
About the TTMA’s Illicit Trade Desk
The TTMA’s Illicit Trade Desk was formed in 2018 as part of the organization’s thrust to increase awareness and reduce instances of illicit trade activities in Trinidad and Tobago.
The effects of illicit trade are numerous, including a loss of revenue to the Government, the provision of sub-standard goods, and the erosion of legitimate businesses (the latter effect affecting the jobs of many persons).
TTMA recognises the adversities associated with illicit trade, and supports initiatives geared towards eradicating these activities in Trinidad and Tobago.
