Security cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago has led to a significant drug seizure in Portugal. On June 14, authorities intercepted a sailboat carrying 1,660 kilograms of cocaine valued at $25 million. The operation also resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents based at the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain collaborated with officers from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Vetted Unit, the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), and the Seaport Cooperation Project (SEACOP). This bi-lateral maritime narcotics trafficking case had been under investigation for several months.
The Portuguese Navy and Judicial Police intercepted the sailboat off the Azores Archipelago. SEACOP is an initiative supported by the European Union to combat illicit maritime trafficking.
This seizure was part of Operation "Vikings," which involved DEA agents from Trinidad and Tobago, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, and several law enforcement agencies in Portugal. The operation has been investigating a drug-trafficking organization for two years.
The TTPS’s Vetted Unit and TOCU played crucial roles in supporting this operation, highlighting their focus on combating transnational drug trafficking using the Caribbean as a base.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz remarked, “This is a major win for the United States and Trinidad and Tobago in our security cooperation to stop the illicit narcotics trade and protect our borders to make our communities safer."
Dr. Neidhart de Ortiz further stated: “I commend our local DEA agents, officers from the TTPS Vetted Unit, and TOCU for their diligence and professionalism. The United States will continue to support Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement agencies to address our common challenges through continuous cooperation, training, and resources.”