It was an exercise that was expected, following weeks of death across the TCI, which resulted in an international casualty as a results of gangs and various fractions attacking each other and the lives of many that started living in fear in this beautiful by nature, Turks & Caicos Islands.
Drastic measures were needed, and have now been taken following meetings by Ministers & National Security and eventually international assistance. starting at around 3:30pm yesterday (Tuesday 11th October 2022), a policing operation was carried out in one of the areas less visited by the some law enforcers called Dock Yard.
Armed with search warrants, “Operation Anaconda” targeted several premises which were the prime areas linked to serious crime. The coordinated operation saw items related to potential gang related violence, including ammunition seized.
During the operation seven suspects were arrested for their involvement in criminality.
Just hours before Operation Anaconda took a bite into Dock Yard, Governor of the TCI, HE Nigel Daikin, sent an address out to the nation, in part, the Governor said, ” I have said it before that if you are confronted by our Tactical Firearms Officers, or Response Teams, it really would be best to lie down & place your hands out in front of you. If you fire on our Officers – or others – their rules of engagement mean they will return fire.” Further down into his message, ” Every death is unfortunate. So I repeat the advice; this isn’t a movie or a video game – if you are confronted – drop to the floor – hands outstretched. You are young and you think yourself invincible – but you are not.”
Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting said: “Yesterday’s intelligence led operation in Dock Yard directly targeted those whom we believe have been involved in serious crime and gang related activity. I have long stated that the police and by extension the communities must purge these criminal elements from continuously causing havoc in this beautiful by nature TCI.
“A total of 58 officers consisting of joint teams from tactical, armed and investigations units, supported by police dogs and forensic teams formed part of the multi-pronged operation in areas where gang killings and violence have erupted.
“As a result seven (7) persons were arrested for crime related matters and they remain in custody as suspects in active police investigations. Property, inclusive of ammunition and masks, believed to be used in the perpetration of criminal acts were seized.
RTC will have more on other stings as they become known to our news room.
