Law enforcement authorities have rescued 44 foreign nationals amid concerns that they were the possible victims of human trafficking.
In a statement Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that the Criminal Investigation Department and the Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Guyana Police Force in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security – C-TIP Unit conducted a cordon and search operation at a night club in the capital on Monday.
“During this operation, 44 female foreign nationals were discovered and taken into protective care. They are currently being offered various care services by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security,” the statement said.
The police say they have launched an investigation into alleged acts of trafficking in persons and other forms of exploitation and abuse.
Additionally, law enforcement officials have discovered a .32 Taurus pistol and eight rounds of ammunition on the premises.
“The Ministry will provide further updates as they become available and wishes to notify the public that the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Police Force, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and other anti-trafficking in persons stakeholders will continue to engage the public and monitor such establishments,” the statement concluded.
