7 foreign nationals picked up during TIP sting operation

…3 Guyanese detained for operating TIP ring

Police conducted two sting operations at Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, and at the Benhab Bar and Night Club, Better Hope North, East Coast Demerara, where a total of seven female foreign nationals were picked up and interviewed.
An investigation was launched into the alleged Trafficking-in-Persons (TIP) ring operating out following the arrest of the persons on Friday.
A bartender, proprietor and a taxi driver were detained by the Police for questioning and remain in custody to assist with investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
Just last month, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Counter Trafficking in Person (C-TIP) unit hosted a two-day training for Special Constables.
Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud had stressed on the need for perpetrators to be identified and prosecuted.
“Identifying the traffickers is the biggest problem, but if they’re not stopped more will join them. The only way to end this is to put these people behind bars; if they feel they can get off, they won’t stop. Let’s go out there stronger together. Trafficking in Persons is a heinous crime against people,” Minister Persaud had told the participants.
According to her, it was important for the re-migrants to be trained because when they come to the country they must understand its policies, laws, and procedures. “The community engagement is the best. We’re trying different avenues of how we engage people,” she said.
Additionally, Head of the Special Constabulary and Special Superintendent Owen Trotz called attention to the number of underage girls from Venezuela who are working at wash bays and other businesses with little pay.
He added that he also noticed that the people who come from Brazil, Dominica, and other countries to practice prostitution here, are often treated badly.
The C-TIP unit also concluded training with the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force, among other agencies.