20 detained as vessel intercepted off North Coast

The captain of a vessel is expected to appear before the Chief Immigration Officer to answer for 34 breaches—17 for transporting persons without a passport, and a further 17 for transporting persons without a Visa.

The charges stem from an incident where the TTPS’ Coastal Support Unit intercepted a vessel off the North Coast of Trinidad and detained 20 individuals.

According to a statement from the Police Service, at approximately 5:30 am on Monday 9 September 2024, the Coastal Support Unit (CSU) received information regarding a person of interest spotted in the First Boca/Monos Island coastal area. Officers PC Valley and PC Mason responded immediately and around 6 am, the CSU officers intercepted a 28-foot pirogue, south of the Second Boca. The vessel bore no name, nor did it have a registration number, and it was occupied by 20 individuals.

Among those detained were three adult Trinidadian males from Carenage: a 29-year-old; a 32-year-old; and a 27-year-old who was the vessel’s captain and a Private in the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment.

The remaining 17 occupants appeared to be foreign nationals, consisting of 11 men, three women, one male child, and two female children. None of these individuals were carrying travel documents.

The TTPS reports that although no illegal items were found on board, officers seized some TT$11,420 and US$20 in cash, along with two bottles of alcohol, a market bag containing crabs, and a cooler with guavas.

Following the initial detention at Coast Guard Headquarters at Staubles Bay, 12 persons were released on an Order of Supervision, while five persons were detained and sent to the Immigration Detention Centre.

Enquiries are continuing.

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