HIDDEN inside the trees located near the lighthouse in Port of Spain, police unearthed the lookout points of several suspected criminal elements yesterday.
Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Anti Crime operations, Raymond Craig, who was assisted by Assistant Superintendent Manuel Harripaul along with other officers, conducted the search around 2 p.m. yesterday.
Five men, found hiding in the trees, were detained by police for questioning yesterday.
One of the five men was found with a quantity of cocaine along with a device for smoking the drug.
He is expected to appear before a magistrate today charged with possession of the illegal items.
Speaking to the Express yesterday Craig said the operation was aimed at "removing several lookout points" for thieves.
The men would hide in the trees and look at the movements of motorists especially during periods of traffic congestion, Craig said.
And then they would relay the information to their cohorts waiting further along the road, Craig added. He said this strategy was instrumental in the majority of thefts which have taken place along the Beetham Highway.
Yesterday, Craig and his team of officers removed several items used in making the lookout spots comfortable for the spies.
Police removed cardboard boxes, Styrofoam crates and several other items from the scene.
The team are expected to return today to trim the trees and make them more visible, Craig said.
Craig also urged motorists to be more alert while they drive along the nation's roads.
Earlier this month Craig was instrumental in seizing a quantity of rotted meats, including beef and chicken, along with vegetables destined to be sold at the Central Market in Port of Spain and the San Juan Market. That find was made at the Beetham Landfill.
