Authorities in Jamaica have initiated a probe into reports suggesting that 35 Haitian nationals illegally arrived in the country over the weekend by a suspected smuggler.
Captain suspected of repeated offenses
Allegations have surfaced indicating that the captain of the vessel carrying the Haitian arrivals is suspected to be the same individual responsible for illegally transporting another group of Haitians in September.
The previous group was subsequently repatriated.
According to reports, sources within the Jamaican police department have revealed that officials from the Ministry of National Security are actively investigating the matter.
Potential charges await the suspect
In light of the ongoing investigations, reports suggest that the police are considering laying charges against the suspected smuggler after investigations.
Haitians’ arrival and fleeing attempts
The group of Haitians, consisting of men, women, and children, made their arrival on the Jamaican shores aboard a small boat at Long Bay, Portland, on a Sunday afternoon.
Video footage capturing their arrival shows several individuals hastily changing their clothes.
There have been reports that a number of them attempted to evade capture by fleeing in different directions, only to be apprehended by the police.
It is believed that some of the Haitians who arrived on Sunday were reportedly part of the group that came to Jamaica in September and were subsequently repatriated.
