Premier Commends Successful Interception of Illegal Migrants and Seizure of Over $2 Million in Cannabis – Magnetic Media
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 29th August 2024 – The Office of the Premier and Public Policy extends its commendations to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) for its commendable efforts in intercepting illegal migrants and seizing cannabis sativa valued at over US $2 million during the past weekend. In two separate operations, RTCIPF officers apprehended a total of 56 illegal migrants and confiscated cannabis sativa with an estimated street value of $2,836,592.00.
On the evening of Friday, August 16, 2024, at approximately 11:40 P.M, Law Enforcement Officers responded to an illegal migrant landing at Bird Rock, Providenciales, resulting in the apprehension of 15 illegal migrants and the discovery of cannabis valued at US $131,660.00. The subsequent day, Saturday, August 17, 2024, shortly after 5 P.M, the Marine Unit of the RTCIPF intercepted an illegal migrant landing at Jones Cay, detaining forty-one (41) individuals in the process, comprising of 32 males, 6 females, and 3 minors. It
was during this operation that, cannabis sativa with an estimated street value of US $2,704,932.00 was seized.
Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick expresses his gratitude to the RTCIPF, the Border Force, the TCI Regiment, and members of the public for their contributions towards these successful operations. The Premier emphasized that these significant seizures underscore the unwavering dedication towards safeguarding the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and combating illegal drug and human trafficking.
In another development, 43 individuals were intercepted while attempting to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands illegally aboard two vessels. These individuals were promptly apprehended, processed, detained, and had their fingerprints recorded to prevent potential future entry attempts. The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force (TCIBF) is actively accumulating intelligence to curtail the activity of criminal networks engaged in human trafficking and drug smuggling.
Honourable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services, reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to combatting illegal activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the collaborative role of law enforcement partners in the region, in achieveing individual and collective goals.
The public is reminded of the severe penalties associated with harboring illegal migrants or facilitating their entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands. Those found guilty of these offenses face fines of up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years.