Police probe alleged trafficking of Cuban nationals in Georgetown

Police have launched an investigation into reports of suspected Trafficking in Persons (TIP) involving Cuban nationals following a late-night joint operation in Georgetown over the weekend.

The exercise was conducted between 22:15 hrs on Saturday and 00:03 hrs on Sunday at a building located at the corner of Charlotte and Albert Streets. The operation involved ranks from the Guyana Police Force’s TIP Unit and Criminal Investigation Department, along with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit.

Acting on information received, the team visited the premises and contacted 77 Cuban nationals, including both men and women. All individuals were screened for indicators of trafficking.

During the screening process, several individuals reported that they had travelled to Guyana under credit arrangements and that their travel documents were being held until repayment was made. These allegations are now forming part of the ongoing investigation.

The Cuban nationals were subsequently handed over to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security for further assessment and assistance.

A search of the premises was conducted, but no illegal items were found, and no arrests were made.