Over the last five years, 2,000 guns and 30,000 rounds of ammunition have been seized in T&T and so far this year, 220 guns and 2,600 rounds of ammunition have been taken off the streets between January and March, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon says.
He gave the statistics in the Senate yesterday while replying to questions from Opposition Senator Wade Mark on measures being taken to address the murder rate, now 207.
Dillon prefaced his reply, saying: “As Minister of National Security, I am deeply concerned about the crime rate facing this country, in particular the murder rate. Crime is everybody’s business. Each citizen has a role to play in reducing the crime rate. Previous administrations have all struggled to keep crime under control.
“It’s imperative all citizens be the eyes and ears of law enforcement authorities so pre-emptive actions can be taken. We must all be vigilant and work alongside law enforcement agencies to arrest this scourge. Law enforcement agencies cannot do it alone.”
Dillon said the Police Service had several measures in place to deal with murder rates. He said 80 per cent of murders were committed with guns but arms and ammunition were not made in T&T.
Those, however, enter T&T with narcotics, primarily in the southern areas, he noted.
He said the past administration blocked acquisition of naval assets to secure borders and since then “T&T has been reeling under a scourge of illegal arms and ammunition.”
He noted, however, that the Police Service had been doing more extensive patrols along coastal divisions where there was a high probability of arms and ammunitions entering T&T.
Intelligence gathering and sharing among all security agencies and collaboration with the public had also been increased, through town meetings. Mobile and foot patrols have been increased in hot spots, he added.
Dillon noted a major increase in CCTVs, with a total of 1,800 across T&T, which will provide deterrent and well as information links
He cited the restructured Strategic Services Agency with increased intelligence gathering and appointment of a police commissioner which he said would boost police morale.
Asked about arrangements with Venezuela to stem the flow of guns, Dillon said he did not wish to spell out measures in public beyond the co-operation to collaborate on stemming illegal traffic of arms, ammunition and people.
Dillon said joint army-police patrols would continue, including in coastal areas, as there was need for military/police presence. On whether patrols have been successful, he said there was always room for improvement but the administration would look for the gaps and build efficiency.
On whether patrols would also be increased in Central, he said the needs of any one area would be based on its situation.