By Denyse Renne

A contingent of more than 100 soldiers and police were. up to late last evening, combing several forested areas of Toco, in a bid to find Jade Solis, the missing granddaughter of businessman Eric Solis.

Also involved in the search are residents of Toco, who were mobilised by MP for Toco/Manzanilla Roger Boynes.

Solis, 20, of Glencoe, was taken from a guest house in Toco on Saturday night by an armed man.

Police reports state that Solis was with a group of friends at the guest house having dinner, when the man, armed with a cutlass and gun, entered and announced a hold-up.

The man robbed the group of their cellphones and other valuables.

He then ordered Solis out of the house with him and drove off. A report was made to Toco police and a manhunt was launched.

A spokesman for the Solis family said no ransom demand had been made and they did not wish to comment on the situation at this time.

The spokesman said they wanted Jade returned safely to them.

Police sources said they found a pair of white leather slippers, which they believed belonged to the victim, in a track leading to a forested area.

A senior policeman said units of Toco and Sangre Grande stations were mobilised to assist in the search.

So far, police have set up several operating bases in different areas.

Members of the Special Anti-Crime Unit, Canine Unit, Northern and Eastern Divisions, as well as the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, have also set up temporary camp in Toco.

The source said investigators believed the young woman was still in the area, and roadblocks were being conducted on a 24-hour basis between Valencia and Toco.

A police helicopter and one from SAUTT are also being used in the exercise.

Two men, aged 20 and 30, from the Toco area, remain in police custody, after being held shortly after Jade was snatched.

“They are assisting us a great deal and are providing valuable information,” the source said.

Boynes said last evening that the army and police had set up camp in the community and he had spoken with Solis’ relatives.

Boynes said he had “taken a personal interest and intervened in the matter.

“Relatives have called me and I have intervened in the matter to ensure that all resources requested by the police to solve the matter is given to them.”

Boynes said he called on residents to join the police and army in their search.

“The police know who he is and also know that the man is very good in the forest.

“He has, on numerous occasions, robbed villagers, and before taking the girl he broke into a shop opposite Toco Composite School and stole several food items.”

Several residents with extensive knowledge of the forests were helping, said Boynes, who was pleased with the response from the community and the police.

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