00:00Police Commissioner Alistair Guevara is warning the population against the illegal importation
00:05of livestock following a seizure and subsequent euthanasia of over 40 disease-infected sheep
00:12and goats in Cedrus on Sunday. According to the TTPS, a multi-agency operation conducted
00:19in the Cedrus Police District resulted in the interception of 35 sheep and seven goats
00:26found to be infected with an undisclosed communicable disease. Around 8.30 a.m. on Sunday,
00:33TTPS officers led by Senior Superintendent Thompson and Superintendent Jagannathan officers
00:39from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard led by Petty Officer Citron acted on information and
00:45established a surveillance operation along the Cedrus-Ikakas coastline where they observed a
00:51vessel leaving the area. The law enforcement officers subsequently intercepted a tractor
00:56emerging from the forested area close to the shoreline with a trailer containing the animals.
01:03The animals were later examined by Chief Veterinary Officer for St. Patrick who determined they were
01:09suffering from an infectious disease. The TTPS says in accordance with national biosecurity protocols,
01:16all animals were humanely utenized over the last two days. Two people are currently assisting
01:23investigators with inquiries. In response to the operation, Commissioner of Police Alistair
01:29Guevara has issued a warning to the public saying that illegal livestock importation is a reckless act
01:36that threatens national food security, public health and the livelihoods of farmers. Anyone,
01:43he says, quote, attempting to bypass lawful importation procedures will face decisive
01:49enforcement action. Commissioner Guevara reminded the public that smuggling animals into the country
01:55is a serious criminal offense that exposes TNT to highly contagious livestock diseases,
02:03zoonotic infections, unsafe and unregulated meat entering the market and severe breaches of national
02:10biosecurity. In a statement, he urged citizens, particularly those in coastal communities,
02:17to report suspicious maritime activity, unusual livestock movements near beaches or forested coastal areas
02:25or attempts to sell undocumented animals by calling 999-555 or any police station.
02:34Cindy Raguba Tika Singh, TV6 News.
02:40Congratulations.ivel
02:413.
Comments