In separate operations carried out by the Turks and Caicos Islands Police Drive and the Bahamian Defence Drive, over 200 migrants have been detained, highlighting ongoing challenges in border safety and migration management.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Drive (RTCIPF) Assistant Commissioner of Police for Specialist Tactical Operations, Mat Newton, disclosed that on April 5, a vessel ferrying migrants was detected by a United States Air Asset.
Upon receiving the alert, regulation enforcement swiftly responded, intercepting the vessel.
Unlawful transport and tragic discoveries
Upon interception, authorities found a vessel carrying 20 males, 10 girls, and 6 puppies, certainly one of which died.
Investigations revealed that the speedboat and engines have been stolen from their homeowners in Providenciales, emphasizing the grave nature of smuggling operations.
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Cooperation and enforcement measures
Working in tandem, the Division of Setting and Coastal Sources, alongside the TCI Regiment and the RTCIPF Marine Department, facilitated the interception and towing of the vessel to shore.
The migrants have been subsequently handed over to immigration authorities for processing.
Assistant Commissioner Newton emphasised the need of complete approaches to fight smuggling and trafficking, stressing the significance of swift motion and stringent enforcement measures to safeguard border integrity.
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Continued vigilance
On April 6, the Royal Bahamas Defence Drive (RBDF) Coast Guard intercepted one other unlawful vessel 24 nautical miles east of North East Level, Inagua, carrying a major variety of migrants.
The RBDF transported the migrants to Matthew City, Inagua, for processing by immigration authorities.
Preventative measures
Commodore Raymond King affirmed the RBDF’s dedication to sustaining a blockade of the southern Bahamian islands, aimed toward deterring unlawful immigration.
Notably, this effort targets migrants trying perilous ocean voyages from international locations together with Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.
