The President of Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency in response to rising gang violence in the country. This decision follows the murder of a gang leader and subsequent violent retaliations, including the shooting deaths of five men. The government asserts that the emergency measures will empower the police to take more aggressive action against drug trafficking gangs. The declaration allows for increased police powers, including arbitrary searches and detention without warrants for up to 48 hours. National Security officials have labeled gang violence an epidemic, with record homicides reported last year.

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