…41 illegal foreigners arrested
…investigating possible human trafficking ring
Members of the Guyana Police Force early Friday morning launched a major sting operation at the Diamond Nightclub and Hotel on George Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown. The raid commenced around 07:00h as investigators swooped down and cordoned off the area and closed in on the club and hotel. During the raid, approximately 41 foreign nationals along with eight employees were arrested and a quantity of narcotics was also discovered on the premises.
The Diamond Nightclub and Hotel
Crime Chief Paul Williams at a press conference told reporters that the Police received information that led to the early morning raid at the popular strip joint.
“We had an exercise headed by CID HQ and Major Crimes Unit along with other agencies. In view of information we received we went to a known business club in Georgetown and we conducted some exercises there and we would have found 41 foreign nationals, some narcotic drugs were seized, some employees and we are conducting investigations,” Williams informed.
Police escorting some of the foreigners during the early morning raid
The Crime Chief related that the narcotics were not found on a particular person; rather it was discovered on the property of the Diamond Nightclub and Hotel.
Investigators suspect the women are here illegally as dancers for the nightclub. It is suspected that the girls are from Brazil, Dominica and Colombia while questions have been raised as to whether they have been trafficked to Guyana.
When asked about the legality of the foreigners, as well as if they were trafficked to Guyana, Williams stated that they are unclear whether it is so but did indicate that they are investigating all possible angles.
The foreigners remain in Police custody, as investigations are ongoing.
