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

They said that the operation, which targeted a suspected human trafficking network, was conducted on Wednesday after law enforcement officials including the Immigration Enforcement Unit, received information that women were being held against their will and sexually exploited at a house.

The police said that officers proceeded to the residence and discovered 12 Venezuelan females in an apartment at the rear of the premises.

“Upon further assessment by Immigration Enforcement Officers, it was determined that 11 of the women had entered Trinidad and Tobago illegally, while one had legal entry status. “Additionally, a male Cuban was also found at the location. He was determined to be under a Ministerial Deportation Order since 2019 and was detained by officers,” the police said in a statement.

They said the rescued women who are between the ages of 18 and 32, are being interviewed by Immigration Enforcement Officers and the Counter-Trafficking Unit (CTU).

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