Knives masquerading as Pens in circulation this Carnival season

The feteing season is upon us (not that there is ever really an end to the fete in Trinidad). A time party-goers just want to forget their worries, meet up with friends and enjoy some good music. When you add some alcohol to these guys, you might end up with some relationship drama and tears to sort out - but usually nothing more major than that. There are always a few though, in every party, who seem intent on 'causing ruction'.


In my day - and I'm probably dating myself here - there were 2 or 3 of them that you knew by both face and name. And it was unusual if they didn't end up trying to pick some kind of fight once enough alcohol hit their system. In those days, there'd probably be a good old fashioned brawl, outside. Security would intervene, brush everyone off, and send them home in the charge of some poor friend who had to cut his night short to take drunkie home.

That was then. Now the times have changed worldwide, and instead of fists you have to wonder whether the person might have a knife (or more) on them. Security has a tougher job these days. They have to screen for  all that bad stuff at entry. All while allowing their party-goers to have their dignity and not feel like they're going through a prison search.

So this little implement can make things a little difficult for security.

Nasty little thing. It's being sold as a letter opener. I dunno... those teeth look pretty serious to me.

According to this article in the Trinidad Express today, police estimate about 1500 of these to be in circulation right now. They look so much like pens, that unassuming customers may have purchased them without realizing what they are. Anyone in possession of one of these should be aware that they could face a charge of possession of a prohibited weapon.

Photo courtesy Trinidad Express article by Gyasi Gonzales dd 09-Jan-2010