00:00The video went viral last night of Tara Poliah being abducted around 7.12 p.m. while at her home
00:07along Don Miguel Road in San Juan.
00:10Investigators say she was in the garage speaking with a male tenant when three other men emerged from a room
00:15on the premises.
00:16One of the suspects, armed with a firearm, forced her out of the compound while another covered her mouth.
00:22She was then placed into a white Nissan 80 wagon which was parked outside of her home.
00:27The suspects then entered the car and fled the scene.
00:31Commissioner of Police Alistair Guevara confirmed the incident this morning, describing her rescue as a major breakthrough in efforts to
00:39dismantle organized kidnapping networks.
00:42I am pleased to announce the safe rescue of Ms Tara Poliah, a 73-year-old businesswoman of San Juan
00:48who was abducted from her residence around 7.30 p.m. last night.
00:52He said the operation was conducted through coordinated efforts of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service as well as the
00:59Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and represented the commitment of the national security apparatus against kidnappings.
01:06This successful operation represents a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle organized criminal groups involved in cross-border
01:16kidnappings.
01:17He said immediately after the report was received, the TTPS, under the supervisions of DCP Natasha George, DCP Susan Martin,
01:26ACP Richard Smith and ACP Anderson Paramon conducted intelligence-led operations to find Ms Poliah.
01:34This work led them to an area off the North Coast Road at about midnight.
01:39Around midnight, the kidnappers placed the victim aboard a vessel in an attempt to take her to Venezuela, but this
01:47vessel was intercepted by members of the Trin-Tobago Coast Guard.
01:51Seven suspects, six Venezuelan nationals and one Trinidadian were arrested and Ms Poliah was rescued safely and is in good
02:00health.
02:08And as such, he chose to address the matter to assure that the police service was fully capable of responding
02:17to serious threats.
02:18This operation represents a major breakthrough in dismantling an organized criminal network who was hell-bent on carrying out cross
02:29-border kidnappings.
02:30The speed, precision and professionalism displayed in this rescue demonstrates that Trinidad and Tobago's law enforcement agencies are prepared, united
02:42and resolute in protecting our citizens.
02:46He also thanked members of the public who shared information as well as officers involved in rescue operations.
02:53Your cooperation and dedication directly contributed to the safe rescue of Ms Poliah.
02:59Guevaro urged citizens to remain vigilant regarding the individuals they allowed into their homes, business places and personal spaces, saying
03:08criminals often exploit familiarity and proximity.
03:12Alexander Brousswell, TV6 News.
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