[2] This trend has continued into the current year as during the month of January and up to 13 February 2020, the country recorded over 67 murders.
[4] A common explanation is that the outbreak in murders is due to drugs and gang-related problems, especially in the depressed communities of East Port of Spain.
Some researchers, while acknowledging the connections between gangs and violence in the area, argue that the role of illegal drugs has been overstated.
[5] The police administration has responded by improving the working conditions of officers, increasing the use of forensic evidence and surveillance technology (CCTV cameras) as well as hiring overseas experts.
[9][10] Laventille has some of the highest crime rates in Trinidad and Tobago, with drugs, gangs, and murders being the main problem in this community.