Venezuelan women rescued from human trafficking ring in Trinidad

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Police say they have rescued 11 foreign nationals believed to be victims of human trafficking following a coordinated intelligence-led operation in Mount Lambert, Trinidad.

They said the operation, targeting an alleged human trafficking ring, was carried out on Wednesday after law enforcement officials, including the Immigration Police Division, received information that women were being held against their will and being sexually exploited in the home.

Police said officers proceeded to the home and found 12 Venezuelan women in an apartment at the back of the house.

“Following further assessment by immigration officials, it was determined that 11 of the women entered Trinidad and Tobago illegally, while one had legal entry status. “In addition, a male Cuban was found at the scene. It was determined that he had been under a ministerial deportation order since 2019 and was detained by police officers,” the police statement said.

They said the rescued women, aged between 18 and 32, are being interviewed by immigration officials and the Combating Trafficking Unit (CTU).

Police say they remain “committed to combating human trafficking and ensuring the safety of all people within our borders. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to authorities.”