Trinidad-born Maharaj, 62, was kidnapped on April 6 at his family’s El Socorro home. A $2 million ransom was demanded for his release, but the kidnappers have not contacted Maharaj’s family for months.

The US government later offered US-$10,000 for information leading to his whereabouts.

Acting on information received from an incarcerated man who led police to the bodies of former kidnap victims Nigel Allen and Samdaye Rampersad, police went into the heavily forested area in search of Maharaj.

Police told Newsday that the FBI officers were simply observing the exercise and making recommendations.

They also said they will continue the exercise in the Santa Cruz area.

Four persons, two from Mayaro and two from Santa Cruz, have been held in connection with the kidnapping.

Newly appointed Insp Johnny Abraham headed the exercise.