Twelve Venezuelans charged with illegal entry to Trinidad
Key Points(5)
- Twelve Venezuelan nationals are expected to appear before a magistrate, facing charges of illegal entry and aiding and abetting following the interception of a vessel off the Icacos coast on August 13 in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Coast Guard officers intercepted the vessel carrying 20 passengers—six men, six women, and eight children—along with 32 buckets of cheese, 14 bullfinch birds, and four crocus bags of meat.
- Police investigations led to charges being laid against 12 of the immigrants, while the eight children were released into the care of their immediate relatives.
- Trinidad and Tobago has faced increasing challenges with irregular migration from Venezuela in recent years, driven by economic instability and political turmoil in the neighbouring country.
- Authorities have reported a steady rise in unauthorized sea arrivals, straining border security and prompting heightened patrols along the southern coastline.
Twelve Venezuelan nationals are expected to appear before a magistrate, facing charges of illegal entry and aiding and abetting following the interception of a vessel off the Icacos coast on August 13 in Trinidad and Tobago.
Coast Guard officers intercepted the vessel carrying 20 passengers—six men, six women, and eight children—along with 32 buckets of cheese, 14 bullfinch birds, and four crocus bags of meat. Police investigations led to charges being laid against 12 of the immigrants, while the eight children were released into the care of their immediate relatives.
One male detainee is also expected to face 14 additional charges related to wildlife violations, including “Keeping Cage Birds in Captivity Without a Permit” and “Keeping Cage Birds in an Undersized Cage.”
The operation was spearheaded by Senior Superintendent Thompson, coordinated by ASP Corrie, and supervised by Inspector Sirju, with support from officers of the Cedros Police Station and the Point Fortin CID.
Trinidad and Tobago has faced increasing challenges with irregular migration from Venezuela in recent years, driven by economic instability and political turmoil in the neighbouring country. Authorities have reported a steady rise in unauthorized sea arrivals, straining border security and prompting heightened patrols along the southern coastline.
