Copper smuggling rises between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela

A black market for copper is expanding between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela following an export ban imposed by Port of Spain. The prohibition, which remains in effect until July 2027, was designed to prevent the theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure.

Local scrap dealers report that the ban has caused copper prices to plummet from approximately $6,000 per ton to just $2,650 per ton. This economic pressure has incentivized illegal trade, as buyers in Venezuela are reportedly willing to pay higher prices than local buyers in Trinidad and Tobago.

Smuggling operations involve vessels departing from Erin beach at midnight. These operators use lookouts to monitor the patrol intervals of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard to avoid detection. The trade affects many individuals in areas like Claxton Bay who rely on scrap collection for their livelihoods.