Trinidad and Tobago: A drone smuggling attempt on Saturday October 4, 2025, was foiled by police officers at the Arouca Maximum Security Prison in Trinidad and Tobago. It is being said that two suspects, a 13-year-old boy and a 26-year-old man were arrested after trying to retrieve contraband from a bushy area near the prison.
According to police reports two suspects were trying to use a drone to smuggle drugs, phones, and cigarettes into the Arouca Maximum Security Prison. When the officers went there to arrest them, both the suspects attempted to escape by fleeing through dense bushes and leaping off a 25-foot embankment.
However police officials carried out a search against them and near the river area the police noticed them, then the officers on surveillance duty at Forde Street Extension, Bon Air, intercepted both the two suspects.
The police officials further stated that during the search, they recovered a significant amount of contraband, including, Cannabis; 1,050 grams, Cigarettes: 256 packs of Lucky Strike, 15 Samsung cell phones. Along with that, Drone and Accessories including DJI drone, controller, and 16 drone batteries.
They also recovered some other items including; two LCD screens, power banks, charging blocks, USB cables, headsets, and a flick knife. And with that drug packaging materials, including thread, rolling papers, scales, and lighters.
Further the officials disclosed the identity of the suspects as a 13-year-old boy from Oropune Gardens and a 26-year-old man from Tunapuna. Adding more to it they mentioned that the older suspect sustained injuries during the escape attempt and received medical treatment.
Authorities stated that they also conducted a search of a property off Forde Lane under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025, but no further illegal items were discovered. But a simultaneous search of the Maximum Security Prison led to the discovery of additional contraband, which raised the concerns about the security measures in place.
“The incident has highlighted the growing use of drones in organized smuggling rings and the need for us to intensify operations to prevent such attempts, the authorities stated.”
The police officials further said that the investigation is ongoing related to this matter as they are trying their best to resolve these kinds of activities. They also said authorities are working to identify the masterminds behind the smuggling attempt and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
