11 persons are now in custody following a joint operation to rescue a kidnapped businesswoman.
73-year-old Tara Poliah was abducted from her San Juan home around 7:12pm yesterday.
Several hours later, around midnight, authorities intercepted a vessel at sea, where they found the elderly woman.
According to the T&T Defence Force, two suspects jumped overboard, but were later picked by a fisherman and handed over to the Coast Guard.
In all, six male Venezuelan nationals and two male T&T nationals were held from the boat, while one female and two males were held at Tyrico Bay.
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro says the rescue marks a breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in cross-border kidnappings.
The TTPS also revealed that the operation was executed based on information received from the Radar Centre and carried out by Coast Guard personnel.
Meanwhile, the Top Cop insists the TTPS remains fully capable and ready to confront and dismantle criminal elements.
The efforts of the Coast Guard and Regimenthave since been praised by Defence Minister Wayne Sturge.
He says follow-on operations are ongoing, as military and law enforcement personnel continue to work in the Maracas and Las Cuevas areas.
Mr Sturge adds that the outcome reflects the effective coordination of the military and law enforcement, as well as strengthened operational capability under the State of Emergency.
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