Last week, Trinidad and Tobago became the focal point for an international effort to tighten the grip on transnational crime, hosting TRADEWINDS 2025—a comprehensive training exercise that brought together over 1,000 participants from the ranks of service members, law enforcement, and government from 26 nations. The exercise, spearheaded by U.S. Army South and sponsored by U.S. Southern Command, saw U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) play a significant role in coordinating efforts alongside Trinidad and Tobago's own police service.
At the heart of the event was a technical exchange aimed at cracking down on firearms trafficking, as ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) joined forces with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). The exchange was a deep dive into investigative techniques and evidence recovery, touching on how to better tackle the international illegal firearms trade. "Throughout the weeklong, Caribbean-focused exercise, ICE HSI worked closely with Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement counterparts to build capacity and strengthen operational collaboration," according to a statement released by ICE on their official website.
The collaborative training sessions included a mix of intelligence briefings on the latest trends in firearms trafficking and practical instruction in advanced investigative techniques. On-the-ground activities in Port of Spain were diverse, ranging from hands-on evidence recovery exercises, which covered DNA and fingerprint collection, to a counter-human trafficking briefing that included a case study analysis.
In a statement obtained by ICE, TTPS Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin noted the significance of the exercise as she officially opened the proceedings. She was joined by Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Lt. Col. Dwayne Edwards, U.S. Army Col. Christopher Johnes, and ICE HSI Caribbean Regional Attaché Rafael Quinquilla, all senior leaders from both nations’ defense and law enforcement communities. Their presence underscored the exercises' importance in enhancing collaborative security efforts in the region.
The initiative demonstrates a continued commitment to international cooperation in confronting the challenges posed by organized crime that transcends borders. By focusing on skill-building and partnership, TRADEWINDS 2025 aims to reinforce the Caribbean as a stronghold against the ever-evolving threats of transnational criminal organizations.
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