Global Black Voices: News from around the World
Miami, Florida — A 44-year-old dual national of Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, Videsh Chandoo, has been sentenced to 18 months in a Florida federal prison after pleading guilty to smuggling firearms and ammunition from the United States into Trinidad and Tobago.
The sentence was handed down in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, following Chandoo’s guilty plea on April 4, 2025. He will also serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
According to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain on July 15, Chandoo was charged with smuggling seven pistols and 332 rounds of ammunition. The illegal items were intercepted by Trinidad and Tobago’s Customs and Excise Division during a routine inspection at Shed 10, Port of Spain, on July 14, 2023.
Rather than contest extradition, Chandoo voluntarily traveled to the United States in January 2025 to face the charges.
The investigation and arrest resulted from intelligence-sharing and coordinated efforts between several U.S. and Caribbean agencies, including:
- The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security
- The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) IMPACS – Crime Gun Intelligence Unit
Chandoo was positively identified as the individual responsible for trafficking the seized weapons and ammunition.
Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, lauded the successful prosecution as a testament to strong international cooperation.
“This case is a great example of the successes achieved because of the strong bilateral relationship between the U.S. and T&T, and the great partnership between U.S. and T&T law enforcement agencies,” she stated.
“Together, we will arrest and convict bad actors, disrupt illegal arms trafficking, protect our borders, and make our countries safer.”
ATF Acting Director Daniel Driscoll echoed her sentiments, highlighting the significance of cross-border collaboration in combating gun trafficking.
“ATF’s investigative expertise directly contributed to the successful apprehension of Videsh Chandoo, preventing any further criminal activity,” Driscoll said. “This effort reinforces our commitment to protect all communities from violent crime.”
The case underscores the persistent threat of transnational arms smuggling and the growing importance of regional intelligence networks in disrupting the illegal flow of firearms.
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