A British Virgin Islands businessman is said to be among three Caribbean nationals detained in Trinidad and Tobago following the discovery of more than 416 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed inside heavy-duty backhoe tyres.
The massive drug seizure, valued at approximately TT$193.5 million, was uncovered during an intelligence-led police operation in Longdenville that stretched over nearly 24 hours.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), officers acted on intelligence suggesting that firearms and narcotics were being concealed at a property along Pokhor Road in the Longdenville police district.
The operation began at approximately 3:40 a.m. on Wednesday and continued until 3:30 a.m. Thursday.
Acting under provisions of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2026, police conducted searches of a residence, warehouse and the surrounding compound.
Their major breakthrough reportedly came inside the warehouse, where officers discovered six large backhoe tyres mounted on rims.
Closer examination revealed that four of the tyres had been specially used to conceal hundreds of rectangular packages.
Police recovered a total of 420 packages, which were later examined with the assistance of Customs and Excise officers.
The packages reportedly weighed approximately 416.5 kilogrammes and tested positive for cocaine, with authorities placing the estimated street value at TT$193,522,560.
A 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands was subsequently arrested in connection with the seizure.
Two Saint Lucian nationals, aged 37 and 38, were also detained as investigations continue.
The operation was coordinated by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Criminal Division, Kerwin Francis, while Acting Assistant Superintendent St Clair provided operational leadership.
Officers attached to the Central Division Crime Scene Investigations Unit processed the scene, while the seized narcotics were transported to the Special Investigations Unit in Port of Spain for further examination.
The three men were taken to the St Joseph Police Station.
Investigators have not yet disclosed the identity of the BVI businessman or indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
The seizure represents a significant cocaine haul and raises fresh concerns about the use of Caribbean territories and regional shipping and business networks in the movement of narcotics across international borders.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has confirmed that investigations into the matter remain ongoing.