Acting Commissioner of Prisons Hayden Forde revealed that more than 600 drone drops have been detected across Trinidad’s prisons from April to October this year, with the majority occurring at the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca. Forde highlighted that drones are increasingly being used to smuggle contraband into the facility, posing a significant challenge for prison authorities.
Between April 4 and October 4, 2025, officials recorded 626 drone sightings, with the majority occurring over the Maximum Security Prison. While some contraband has been intercepted, Forde admitted the prison system lacks the technology and resources to combat the issue effectively. He also acknowledged that several officers are complicit in the smuggling operations.
Forde emphasized the need for anti-drone systems to detect, disable, or track drones back to their operators. He also expressed concern about the involvement of minors in the operations, calling it “succession planning” for future criminal activity in the country.
Between April 4 and October 4, 2025, officials recorded 626 drone sightings, with the majority occurring over the Maximum Security Prison. While some contraband has been intercepted, Forde admitted the prison system lacks the technology and resources to combat the issue effectively. He also acknowledged that several officers are complicit in the smuggling operations.
Forde emphasized the need for anti-drone systems to detect, disable, or track drones back to their operators. He also expressed concern about the involvement of minors in the operations, calling it “succession planning” for future criminal activity in the country.
