00:00Police Commissioner Alistair Guevara says the police for many years have been investigating illegal quarrying activities in the country.
00:07He states that it involves pursuing offenders, arresting and charging them, bringing them before the courts and dismantling their networks.
00:15However, he is seeking to make clear that, quote, our actions are not directed at any one individual.
00:20We are confronting a criminal enterprise that robs the nation of its resources, undermines lawful industry and finances organized criminal gangs.
00:30End quote.
00:31Commissioner Guevara says from 2020 to 2025, 47 people were arrested and charged for activities linked to illegal quarrying, adding that of that number, 19 were charged for mining without a license and 28 for processing without a license.
00:47And while some quarry operators have formed themselves into an alliance over not being able to attain the mineral licenses required, for which talks with government officials are now said to be in progress,
00:58the top cop outlines that people operating without a license are doing so illegally.
01:04Guevara says, quote, I will like to take this opportunity to warn the persons involved in this illegal enterprise, which has long been fueling homicides, extortion and gangs to cease and desist.
01:16End quote.
01:17He believes that there is an attempt by some engaging in illegal quarrying to portray themselves as victims, which in his mind they're not, as according to him, it is clear that they were engaged in criminal activity.
01:29The police commissioner says, quote, under my watch, the hardworking and dedicated officers of the TTPS will not be swayed by attempts to recast offenders as victims.
01:40The true victims are the people of Trinidad and Tobago, whose lands, communities and future are being exploited to line the pockets of organized criminal groups.
01:50As I have said before, don't play victim to the media on one hand while you're holding the shovel that digs the country's grave in the other.
01:58End quote.
02:00And finally, Guevara states that people who continue illegal quarrying activities will be faced with arrest, prosecution and the full brunt of the law as the TTPS remains focused on protecting the country's resources and stamping out activities that threaten national security.
02:17The statement by the top cop comes a day after quarry operator Danny Guerra and his son were detained under the SOE powers.
02:24Police would only say that the detention orders are issued when there is a belief that public safety is threatened.
02:31Guerra was out on bail for allegations of illegal quarrying in Guernapo after he, his son and 16 others were arrested in October of this year.
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