PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) on Tuesday said that 10 Venezuelan nationals who attempted to enter the country illegally have been arrested.

Police said that they intercepted a vessel approximately one mile from shore in the Erin district, in the south western district, on Monday and that the Venezuelans, ages seven to 25 years, were detained.

It said that officials of the country’s immigration department and the Children’s Authority have been informed and that investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, police said that Justin Thomas, a 42-year-old Trinidad and Tobago national, appeared before the Point Fortin Magistrates’ Court where his application for bail was denied.

Thomas, also known as “TINKA”, is charged with two counts of trafficking in children and one count of sexual penetration. He was arrested on February 3, 2025.

Thomas will remain in custody as the matter progresses.

“The denial of bail underscores the seriousness with which the courts are treating allegations of child trafficking and exploitation,” the police said in a statement.

It said that the charges stem from phase two of the multi-agency “Operation Thinking Point” led by the Counter Trafficking Unit of the Ministry of Homeland Security. The operation occurred in Point Fortin and saw five Venezuelan females, ages 16 to 26, being rescued.

The police said further investigations into trafficking networks remain ongoing, including inquiries aimed at seizing financial proceeds of crime.