In a monumental display of coordinated law enforcement, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), with the full backing of the National Security Council, has led a sprawling multi-agency operation to demolish more than 220 illegally constructed structures in La Tortue, a notorious area of Blue Hills, Providenciales.
This exercise, dubbed Operation Dragon, marks a significant escalation in the fight against organised crime and illegal activities that have long plagued the island nation.
The demolition, executed in close partnership with the Informal Settlement Unit, Planning Department, Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, Border Force, local utility companies, and private contractors, aims to dismantle the physical infrastructure that has served as a haven for criminal elements.
Commissioner of Police, Mr Fitz Bailey, emphasised the gravity of the situation and the necessity of the operation.
“The RTCIPF is resolute in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all communities in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Commissioner Bailey stated. “The illegal occupation and construction of structures in La Tortue not only violate our national laws but also create unsafe and unregulated environments that enable organised criminal activity to take root. This multi-agency operation demonstrates the seriousness with which we collectively address these threats.”
La Tortue has been specifically identified by authorities as a hotbed for serious criminal activities and has been the site of numerous recent violent incidents.
The scale of the demolition, targeting over 220 buildings, underscores the long-standing challenges posed by unregulated settlements to law enforcement and national security.
“The operation proceeded without major incident, despite some individuals reportedly having fled the area prior to the arrival of the demolition teams due to an untimely release of information,” Commissioner Bailey said in a recent interview with local media operatives.
This collaboration sends a clear and strong message that those who intend to enter and remain in the Turks and Caicos Islands illegally, particularly those seeking to engage in criminal acts, will be met with decisive and coordinated action.
Authorities have pledged to continue these proactive steps to deter, dismantle, and disrupt the networks that support and sustain organised crime within the communities.
The RTCIPF and its partners remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands and protecting its residents, promising sustained efforts to maintain order and security across the islands.
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