Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago - in a landmark initiative to strengthen crime-fighting capabilities, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through its Global Firearms Program and thanks to the Government of Germany, has donated two advanced drones to the Ministry of Home Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago. The handover ceremony, held on 20 November 2024, underscores the growing importance of leveraging technology to combat crime and enhance public safety.
The Honorable Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, and Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel, Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), warmly received the drones highlighting the pivotal role these tools play in tackling crime and illicit firearms trafficking, a pressing issue in the region.
Minister Hinds expressed his optimism about the impact of the drones on national security, stressing their potential to significantly reduce crime and increase public safety.
The drones, which will be used by the Defence Force, are expected to bolster operational efficiency. Hinds noted their utility in crime-fighting initiatives based on his firsthand observations as Minister of National Security.
With firearms-related violence remaining a critical concern, the Minister revealed troubling statistics: of the 555 homicides recorded this year, 250—approximately 45.1%—were gang-related, with 87% involving illegal firearms, including high-powered weapons. Minister Hinds stressed the urgent need for innovative approaches to counter this escalating threat.
Chief of Defence Staff Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel praised the drones for their advanced features, which will strengthen the Defence Force’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly in areas with limited ground access.
UNODC representative Roberto Rodriguez Codesal emphasized the strategic advantage drones bring in combating illicit firearms trafficking. With their ability to provide real-time aerial surveillance, drones allow law enforcement to monitor trafficking routes, detect suspicious activities and identify locations where firearms are smuggled or stored.
The drones will be instrumental in contributing to the combat against gang violence and the illegal arms trade.This donation reaffirms the shared vision of building safer communities through innovation and partnership, ensuring that the tools and resources to counter crime are as advanced as the challenges faced.
