Man described as a major player in the international drug world, has been shot and killed and his body jumped in the Heights of Guanapo. Paul Salandy of Ocean Avenue, Cocorite, was kidnapped from his home at about 1.30 am on Thursday. His body was found at about 1 pm on Thursday at Dump Road, but he was only identified yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre, Federation Park, by relatives. The body bore gunshot wounds to the head and chest.Detectives of the Western Division said Salandy was “well known to the police.” They believe his kidnapping was as a result of a drug deal which went sour.
They also strongly suspected that there was a “Venezuelan connection” to the killing.
Salandy, also known as Paul Salandy de Four, was the owner of a travel agency in Woodbrook.
A $300,000 ransom was demanded for Salandy’s safe release. Police said no ransom was paid. In 1990, Salandy was arrested in Westmoorings by members of the Narcotic Squad. The officers seized a kilo of cocaine valued $500,000, $180,000 in cash and a motorcar. He was charged by ACP Raymond Craig for the offence and the matter, after 18 years is still pending in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court. Salandy, police said, was also involved in major drug trafficking from Colombia and Venezuela to North America and Europe.
Police said that it was on one of his trips in 2000, that he was arrested in France for being in possession of a quantity of cocaine. Salandy was subsequently charged with the offence and sentenced to four years imprisonment. Upon his release, Salandy was deported to Trinidad and up until his death was the focus of attention of law enforcement officers both locally and in the United States of America.
Salandy was also the owner of a travel agency. Investigations are continuing.
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