Thousands of illicit items seized

Over 3,000 illicit and uncertified items were seized during  inspections  conducted  across  the  Southern  and South  Western Divisions on Friday. 

According to the TTPS, the pool operation targeted the sale and distribution of illicit goods to members of the public, while simultaneously  enforcing compliance with pharmaceutical, trademark, consumer, fire, health, and safety regulations. 

The exercise yielded the following seizures: 

• 1,620 illicit cigarettes 

• 386 counterfeit brand-name clothing items 

• 689 uncertified electrical and assorted consumer products 

• 318 unregistered male enhancement pharmaceutical items 

At a pharmaceutical establishment in Debe, no illicit items were discovered.  

However, officers identified 10 breaches  relating to fire and  life  safety, electrical maintenance, and general housekeeping.  

The proprietor has since been advised to address these deficiencies within a stipulated timeframe. 

Meanwhile, at a second target location in South Oropouche, a supermarket was found to be in  possession of multiple illicit and uncertified  items, which were subsequently seized. 

These included tobacco products not licensed for sale in Trinidad and Tobago, counterfeit  clothing bearing trademarked logos, uncertified electrical items  such  as  extension cords,  cellphone  chargers, and LED decorative string lights, as well as unregistered pharmaceutical and supplement products. 

Additionally, a total of 18 fire, electrical, health, and safety breaches were identified, including blocked emergency  exits,  improper placement  of  fire  extinguishers, and poor housekeeping practices. 

The TTPS says investigators also obtained  information that  is  expected to assist  in identifying the distributors and suppliers of the illicit products. 

It adds that the Multi-Agency  Task  Force  will  continue  investigations  into  offences under the  Tobacco Control  Act and  the  Trade Marks Act, while relevant agencies  are  expected  to  conduct  follow-up inspections  to  ensure continued regulatory compliance and the safety of the public. 

This  operation  was  executed  through  an  all-of-government  approach, involving  the TTPS, with  support from the Chemistry,  Food  and  Drugs  Division,  Customs  and  Excise  Division, T&T Bureau of Standards, OSHA Division, Fire Prevention Division, and the Government Electrical Inspectorate.