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.
