Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin says the police force will be implementing a swift response, including a heightened security coordination between the police and airport officials in the wake of a murder at the Piarco International Airport Thursday morning.

Arkim Quash, 38, was gunned down by men in a silver Nissan Tiida as he was picked up at the arrivals terminal of the airport just before 2 am Thursday.

A second man was shot in both legs by the gunmen, who sped off.

Benjamin said he “felt the shooting was a result of criminals who were testing the resolve of the authorities”, the Guardian Media reported.

“Based on our intelligence, we are making progress… We understand what is happening and we are seeking to up the security around the airport immediately. We will continue to beef up the security posture around the airport and around Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

Benjamin said this was the first time there was such a violent incident on the compound of the Piarco International Airport and attributed it to desperate criminals who wanted to test the capabilities of the authorities. He warned that such action would not be tolerated even after the conclusion of the State of Emergency.