PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – A Trinidad and Tobago national, Shurlan Guppy, has been extradited to the United States, where he will face federal charges in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The US Embassy here said that Guppy had been under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Philadelphia since 2019, and following a lengthy investigation and cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement authorities, Guppy was arrested on September 26, 2023.
On July 31, last year, a Port of Spain Magistrate Court approved Guppy’s extradition to the United States, but he appealed the matter, and on March 25, this year, the Court of Appeal dismissed the matter, clearing the way for his extradition.
The US Embassy said that on Tuesday, Guppy was escorted to the United States by Deputy Marshals from the United States Marshals Service and Special Agents from the DEA.
“This extradition is indicative of the strong law enforcement relationships and close cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, as we continue to work together to make our countries safer and prosecute criminal activities,” said Chargé d’Affaires, Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz.”
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge, Michael A. Miranda, said, The successful extradition of Guppy is a powerful testament to the strength of international cooperation and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement on both sides of the Caribbean.
“I commend the dedicated efforts of DEA special agents who worked tirelessly alongside other US and Trinidad and Tobago agencies. Together, we sent a clear message that transnational criminal organizations will be pursued relentlessly, no matter where they hide.
“This operation reflects the professionalism, coordination, and resolve that define our shared mission to safeguard our communities from the threat of drug trafficking,” Miranda said.
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