ST MARY, Jamaica — Police have apprehended four Haitians during an operation along the Annotto Bay main road in St Mary, bringing to 22 the number of Haitians detained across three parishes within a week.

The latest incident marks the third reported apprehension involving groups of Haitians in the Portland, St Mary and St Ann Police Division in recent days, raising concerns about a possible human-smuggling operation along Jamaica’s northeastern coastline.

The Annotto Bay operation follows two similar incidents on September 29, when 11 Haitian nationals were apprehended in Portland and another seven were intercepted aboard a bus travelling through Ocho Rios, St Ann.

The police said investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding their arrival in Jamaica, including whether local individuals were involved in transporting or harbouring the nationals.

The police have also intensified road and coastal operations across the division in response to the incidents.

Investigations are ongoing.