PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A high-level investigation is now underway after it was discovered that over 25,000 rounds of 5.56 ammunition have vanished from a secure storage facility within the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment. The alarming revelation has raised concerns about national security, prompting swift action from government officials.
According to reports, the ammunition—originally stored in the 1st Engineer Battalion Bunker at Cumuto Barracks—was relocated within the compound in 2022. However, a recent audit revealed a significant discrepancy, triggering immediate scrutiny.
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds acknowledged the severity of the situation, assuring the public that authorities are conducting a thorough probe. “Given the implications of such an incident, I have requested a comprehensive investigation,” Hinds stated. “A preliminary report has been provided, but we are not yet at a stage where full details can be disclosed.”
The Trinidad Express reported that a three-member investigative team has been appointed to examine the circumstances surrounding the missing ammunition. Led by Lt Col DS Edwards, with assistance from Maj B George and M Brooks, the team began its probe on Monday following special orders issued by Colonel Keston Charles, the commanding officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment.
The disappearance of such a large cache of ammunition has sparked public concern, with many questioning whether the security protocols at military installations are sufficient. Analysts warn that if the ammunition has fallen into the wrong hands, it could pose a serious threat to public safety.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to determine whether the incident was due to mismanagement, a clerical error, or something more sinister. Hinds has pledged transparency in resolving the matter, stating, “If corrective action is needed, it will be taken without delay.”
For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the missing ammunition and ensuring that such breaches do not occur in the future.
