Senior Reporter
Although the State of Emergency (SoE) is scheduled to end on September 17, Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs) continue to be issued.
The latest four PDOs, signed by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander between April 26 and August 12 and gazetted yesterday, include two women and two Tobago residents.
Shuzelle Kirton, also known as Shuzelle Amanda Thelma P. Kirton, of Boodram Street and Jack Street, Enterprise, Chaguanas, was ordered detained at the Women’s Prison in Golden Grove, Arouca, after she tried to smuggle drugs into the prison system in apples.
Authorities said credible intelligence linked her to a gang involved in trafficking and attempting to introduce dangerous drugs and other prohibited items into the prison system for the benefit of her common-law husband.
Her partner is currently detained in connection with suspected contraband trafficking into the Arouca Maximum Security Prison, Golden Grove Prison and Port-of-Spain Prison through drone deliveries, allegedly for financial gain and in support of a criminal network.
According to the PDO, Kirton visited him at Golden Grove Prison on August 3 carrying a transparent bag labelled “Troy Gregoire.” Hidden inside seven apples were 53 grammes of marijuana, 54 cigarettes and 126 pieces of wrapping paper. Officials said the items were deliberately concealed within the fruit to evade prison security measures.
Kirton reportedly told investigators she had collected the bag from a member of Gregoire’s family.
She and Gregoire were jointly charged in February 2025 with possession of dangerous drugs, after police allegedly found 511 grammes of marijuana, a drone, four batteries and a controller at their home. She was on bail when the latest incident allegedly occurred.
The PDO stated that her recent conduct demonstrated a continuing willingness to facilitate the supply of drugs and other prohibited items into the prison system despite Gregoire’s detention and her own pending criminal matters.
Authorities further noted that such trafficking undermines prison security, supports illicit financial activity linked to gangs and criminal networks, and poses a threat to prison officers, inmates and public safety.
The other woman, Daydra James, of Goodwood Main Road, Goodwood, Tobago, and Feeder Road, Canaan, Tobago, was ordered detained at the Women’s Prison after intelligence identified her as an associate of the Rasta City/Seven Gang.
She was allegedly involved in the custody, concealment and distribution of illegal firearms, ammunition and narcotics on behalf of the gang. Confidential intelligence also suggested that James and others intended to carry out a planned murder and continue participating in gang-related criminal activities.
Michael “Trini Man” Daniel, of Hill View Trace, Mason Hall, Tobago, and Canaan Feeder Road, Canaan, Tobago, was also ordered detained at the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre (ECRC) in Santa Rosa, Arima.
Authorities identified Daniel as a shooter and enforcer for the Rasta City/Seven Gang operating in Tobago. He was also described as having access to firearms and being involved in serious firearm-related criminal activity.
Arnold “One Foot” Mayers, of John Buddy Williams Drive, Phase 6, La Horquetta, was also ordered detained at the ECRC. He was identified as the leader of a gang operating primarily in the La Horquetta area. The gang is alleged to be involved in armed robberies, kidnappings, firearms and narcotics trafficking, and extortion. Authorities further claimed that Mayers and other members had escalated armed attacks in public spaces and were planning the murder of a witness.
