On August 5, Shurlan Guppy, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, was extradited to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The 48-year-old is accused of conspiring to traffic heroin and cocaine into the U.S. If convicted on all counts, Guppy could receive a life sentence with a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison.
Guppy became the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Philadelphia Division beginning in 2019. His arrest occurred on September 26, 2023, at a residence in Goodwood Park, Port of Spain. Following his arrest, a Port of Spain Magistrate approved his extradition on July 31, 2024. Guppy appealed this decision but his appeal was dismissed by a Trinidad and Tobago Appeal Court judge on March 25, 2025.
The extradition process involved several agencies from both countries. On August 5, Deputy Marshals from the United States Marshals Service and Special Agents from the DEA escorted Guppy from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States. Agencies involved included the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service—specifically its Transnational Organized Crime Unit—the Central Authority within the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Immigration, Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz commented: “This extradition is indicative of the strong law enforcement relationships and close cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, as we continue to work together to make our countries safer and prosecute criminal activities.”
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda stated: “The successful extradition of Shurlan Guppy is a powerful testament to the strength of international cooperation and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement on both sides of the Caribbean. I commend the dedicated efforts of DEA Special Agents who worked tirelessly alongside other U.S. and TT agencies. Together, we sent a clear message that transnational criminal organizations will be pursued relentlessly, no matter where they hide. This operation reflects the professionalism, coordination, and resolve that define our shared mission to safeguard our communities from the threat of drug trafficking.”