Trinidad police foil plot to kill two defence attorneys

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC - Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro says the right-hand man of one of the men being held at the Defence Force base was arrested with a sophisticated weapon that was to be used in the assassination of two defence attorneys.

He revealed the breakthrough by way of a message sent to the Trinidad Guardian.

The Police Commissioner said the detention of the suspect came hours after his officers alerted two defence attorneys that their lives were in danger.

"I can also confirm for you, based on your question, that intelligence indicated specific threats against two defence attorneys. In fact, and I want you to listen very carefully, one of the individuals was allegedly tasked with carrying out the attack," he said.

Murder accused Rajaae Ali and Earl Richards said they were fearful for their lives and were being set up to create a scenario that could lead to their killing. The men have expressed a willingness to undergo lie detector tests to prove their claims.

The men, along with eight others, were removed from the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca just hours before the State of Emergency was announced.

Guevarro noted that the initial threat that led to the SoE on July 18 has been neutralised.

"Since the start of the SoE, we have made several arrests, and a number of individuals identified as being part of the threat matrix are already before the courts facing charges, including illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. This is while the investigation into their role relative to the threat is ongoing. Our efforts have disrupted the initial threat, but our mission now extends beyond containment," he said.

He added that the police continue to work "around the clock to dismantle the organised crime syndicate." He said that demands precision.

Guevarro said that while it will not be prudent to disclose the identities or quantity of individuals who were marked as targets, he assured judicial officers and the public that national safety and the integrity of the justice system remain paramount.

Guevarro also addressed the concerns of the Police Complaints Authority about the number of fatal police shootings since the SoE.

Last week, PCA director David West said his organisation was concerned about the police shootings and was monitoring them. At the time, there were five fatal police shootings, and one more was recorded afterward.

Following his pronouncement, there were calls for West to be removed as the head of the PCA. He dismissed those calls and hailed the independence of the PCA.

But on Saturday, Guevarro said the PCA should also pay attention to the country's murder rate and the loss of life.

"I acknowledge the concerns raised by the Police Complaints Authority. At the same time, I find it noteworthy that when 625 citizens were killed in 2024, many at the hands of criminal elements, the PCA's voice was notably absent. We remain committed to transparency and accountability, and every police-involved death is subject to internal and independent scrutiny. But let me be absolutely clear: my priority is the safety of all citizens and the officers sworn to protect them. The TTPS will continue to act within the law to restore order and public confidence," he said.

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