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Two men are assisting police with their investigations surrounding the discovery of more 100 million dollars worth of high-grade compressed marijuana in the southern division.

Reports say, officers acting on intelligence, intercepted a Kia truck at 9 pm on Wednesday near Paria Suites, in La Romain.

It is said, upon searching the vehicle they found 28 plastic wrapped bales containing 704 kilograms of high grade marijuana.

The TTPS says, the drug has a street value of $105,473,280.

The two suspects held and taken to the Marabella police station, where further inquiries are being conducted.

In a statement the TTPS says, the seizure comes after an investigative unit received information last month that a drug trafficking network with ties to Colombian and Venezuelan cartels, was operating in the south western peninsula.

It says, officers acted on the information and conducted rigorous surveillance, where several key members of the network were identified.

The TTPS says, it received certain information about a location in the southern division where the drug trafficking network had intentions, to import a large amount of narcotics.

Yesterday, DCP Curt Simon told, of gains in the southern division.

Investigations are now ongoing.

The Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company Limited confirms a fire at the Beetham landfill.

A release says, that at approximately 8:45 pm last evening, SWMCOL’s emergency management team was alerted about a fire at the southwestern end of the landfill.

The release says, while the fire has been contained smoke is still emanating from the site.

As such, SWMCOL is advising the public and those who live in the vicinity to exercise caution, as they work during the day to extinguish the fire and determine the cause.

SWMCOL says, further updates will be provided as become necessary.

Prime minister Dr. Keith Rowley is to address the

78th session of the United Nations general assembly in New York tomorrow.

A release from the office of the Prime Minister says Dr. Rowley joined world leaders at the meeting yesterday.

Trinidad and Tobago national, ambassador Dennis Francis is the current president of the United Nations General Assembly and officiated over yesterday’s proceedings.

Dr. Rowley is said, to have met in the margins with the president of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo.

The two leaders discussed among things renewed collaboration in agriculture.

The Prime Minister also participated in discussions with Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo which focused on bilateral relations and additional opportunities for collaboration, including at the level of the G77.

The release says, Dr. Rowley also held bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of tourism, Ahmed Alkhateeb.

The talks centered on opportunities to enhance, tourism and other investments and also explored the possibilities of facilitating easier travel arrangements, for Trinidad and Tobago nationals who wish to perform Hajj.

Prime Minister Dr. Rowley will deliver his national statement in the United Nations General Assembly Hall tomorrow.

The Venezuelan father of one-year-old José Nunez, who was shot on Monday night in El Socorro is angry.

He says, Trinidad and Tobago is no better than Venezuela.

The infant was hit as one man chased another and fired several rounds.

Luiz Enrique said, yesterday that little José was playing in the yard of their home at Lootoo Street with his eight-year-old brother and three-year-old cousin, when around 9.50 p.m. On Monday they heard several loud explosions.

Jose’s 23-year-old mother grabbed her son and tried to take him to safety, but as she picked him up, she heard another explosion.

The water tank which her son was standing next to burst, and water started running out, she said.

She then heard her child cry out and saw José bleeding from both legs.

The woman raised an alarm and police and paramedics were notified.

A team of officers, led by Insp. Sunil Bharath, responded.

The toddler was taken to the Eric Williams medical sciences complex, Mt hope, where he was treated.

Police were told a bullet went through both of José’s legs.

Four spent 9mm shells were found at the scene of the shooting.

The date of the Budget statement for the Financial Year 2024 is announced.

It will be presented by Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert in the Parliament on Monday October 2nd at 1:30pm.

The announcement was made yesterday via a release from the Minister of Finance.

Gary Griffith says, independent organisations like the TTPS cannot and must not take directives from politicians.

Mr. Griffith’s comment came, after a high court ruled that the financial intelligence unit abused its power, and acted unconstitutionally when it tried to gain access to his bank accounts.

Speaking with Newscentre Five yesterday Mr. Griffith said, it appears Trinidad and Tobago is now a police state.

Mr. Griffith said, he has done no wrong yet the government continued, on its witch-hunt against him as it goes after political opponents.

In the judgment Justice Rampersad noted, that the actions of the FIU were not triggered by, any suspicious transaction report or suspicious activity report.

He said, he had great difficulty in accepting the FIU submission as it operated in silo.

The judge stated that once an investigation has been initiated due to such reports, it may exercise the power to request financial information.

High court judge Frank Seepersad dismisses the United National Congress election petition against, the Elections and Boundaries Commission in relation to the outcome of the result in the electoral district of Arima Northeast.

The petition was filed in the name of Unc candidate for the area, Jairzinho Domingo Gustav Rigsby. 

On September 11^th , Chief Election Officer Fern Narcis-Scope filed a motion to dismiss the petition, because it was not served on the seat’s winner, Kim Garcia.

In ruling on the matter yesterday, Justice Seepersad dismissed the case, and ordered Mr. Rigsby to pay the costs of the EBC certified fit for senior and junior counsel.

According to the EBC in delivering his judgment, Justice Seepersad found that the petition filed by Mr. Rigsby was hopelessly flawed in that he failed to comply with mandatory provisions of the representation of the people act relating to election petitions.

The candidate for the Peoples National Movement for the Arima Northeast Electoral district was, Kim Magdalene Garcia who was declared winner with 625 votes over Mr. Rigsby’s 624.

National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds is saddened by the killing of retired police officer, Charles Kublalsingh.

He believes the municipal police officer may have been killed for his legal firearm.

He was gunned down outside his Jackson Street, Curepe home on Saturday.

He was shot in the chest.

His licensed firearm and vehicle were taken.

Yesterday Minister Hinds said, his firearm may have been a factor.

Minister Hinds extended his condolences.

His stolen vehicle was later found abandoned in maracas St. Joseph.

Investigations are ongoing.

Opposition Member of Parliament For St. Augustine Khajdia Ameen tells of bandits roaming the streets of her constituency in search of prey.

She says, residents are under siege.

Her concern also follows the recent killing of a suspected bandit, by a homeowner with a licensed firearm.

In a voice note Ms. Ameen said, crime has come to the community.

Ms Ameen said, citizens are left no choice but to stand their ground.

The dead suspect has so far not been identified.

The incident took place at freeman road at around 4:45 Saturday morning.

Newscentre Five understands the homeowner was awakened by the sound, of three men attempting to force their way into his home.

It is reported the homeowner pulled out his licensed firearm, and fired several shots at the men who began to flee the scene.

It is said, two of the perpetrators were hit.

One of them died at the scene, while the other wounded suspect escaped with his unhurt accomplice.