Security forces move in or scrap iron yards; AG promises to say more on Monday

Security forces in Trinidad shifted their focus to scrap iron yards Sunday as they continue their crackdown that began one week ago with the declaration of a state of emergency

They were acting on information that persons are using the scrap material to manufacture firearms.

Soldiers raided a big scrap iron yards at Beetham Gardens, just off the Beetham Highway in Port of Spain.

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan confirmed that security personnel are engaged in a major exercise involving the scrap iron business.

Speaking at the daily media briefing, Ramlogan said he did not wish to go into the details and promised that those who are lawfully authorised to operate and sell scrap iron will receive compensation for their goods.

He said cleaning up the scrap yards is a matter of national security.

"I understand that you will see...that we have embarked on certain exercises with respect to certain areas and certain types of business activities, relative to scrap iron, scrap iron yards," the AG noted.

He added that he will say more about it on Monday but indicated that officials have "credible intelligence that leads us in that direction".

The Express newspaper reported that its sources have provided reliably information that some scrap iron dealers have been forced by gang members to provide material to make shot guns, pistols and firearm magazines.

The paper said the illegal weapons and ammunition are hidden beneath heaps of scrap iron in order to avoid detection by metal detectors during police raids.

It added that some legitimate scrap iron dealers have also been threatened by criminals to work with them or face severe consequences.