Stabbing Accused and suspected Gangster taken in on firearms and illegal drug offences

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, October 13, 2022 – National and Domestic Security leaders announced a significant arrest over the weekend; and on Monday it was confirmed that Andre De Souza, a Jamaican citizen was charged.  De Souza has at least two open cases in the TCI Judiciary, an immigration offence and a violent stabbing in December 2020.

In the newest case against De Souza, a police report informs he was charged with carrying a firearm and ammunition.  He had been out on bail after being held, back in 2020, for wounding with intent following a stabbing incident.   At the time it had also been found he had overstayed his time in The Turks and Caicos by more than three years.

As recently as September 23rd, the young man was listed for appearance in TCI courts, it’s unclear if he made an appearance.

He was arrested again by Police on Friday October 6th and described by police as ‘wanted in connection with firearm-related offences.’

He was arrested in the vicinity of Alice and Alice Plaza on Airport Road, Providenciales after being identified by officers.  Police said he was found with a quantity of drugs and took him into custody.

Both Nigel Dakin, TCI Governor and Trevor Botting, TCI Police Commissioner have commented on the ‘significant arrest’.

On Monday Botting said, “In the last seven days, an arrest has been made of a person of interest who remains in custody in connection with their involvement in serious crime, possession of a firearm and ammunition and a quantity of drugs.”

It was Dakin who on Friday revealed that De Souza had also been arrested for alleged gun possession, which along with his previous offenses could land him in TCI prison for the better part of a decade.