Two T&T nationals have been sentenced to federal jail time in the United States for conspiring to smuggle goods from the U.S.

The sentence was handed down to 30-year-old Tevin O’Brian Oliver and 31-year-old Jameal Kaia Phillip by U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday.

They were each sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

They also agreed to forfeit various firearms, ammunition, and related items, which facilitated the offenses.

According to a statement from the US Justice Department, Oliver and Phillip were part of a ring that unlawfully exported firearms, firearms components and related items from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago between 2019 and 2022.

The firearms, which included pistols and long rifles and related equipment, were concealed within boxing/fight equipment, speakers, and other household items.

Conspirators also acquired firearms from different sellers through straw purchases, falsely representing the identities of the actual purchasers and recipients of the firearms, as well as their ultimate destination.

Oliver and Phillip both pleaded guilty on April 11th 2023.