WHILE it is not new information that Venezuelan gangs are operating within Trinidad and Tobago, criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad believes authorities and citizens alike ought not to stigmatise the group for the actions of a few.

Speaking with the Express on Sunday, Seepersad cited information from the 2023 Strategic Services Agency (SSA) report on gangs, which showed that intelligence agencies were already aware of the presence of Venezuelan gang operatives in this country.

According to Seepersad, authorities are aware of these developments, including the presence of a gang originating from Venezuela's Delta Amacuro region with over 100 members, including its leader, who was arrested by local police.