By Sue-Ann Wayow

SIXTEEN Venezuelans were found attempting to enter Trinidad and Tobago illegally from Santa Flora.

They were detained during a coordinated anti-crime exercise conducted in Santa Flora on Tuesday during the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) stated in a media release.

Based on intelligence received, officers proceeded to the Beach Camp area along Beach Road, Palo Seco, where they observed several individuals fleeing toward the shoreline and others entering nearby bushland.

A subsequent search of the area led to the detention of individuals including minors, none of whom were able to produce legal travel documents.

 The detained individuals included three men ages 24, 26 and 27, seven women ages 19, 19, 21, 23, 23, 32, and 45  and six minors ages five months, seven months, two, (two individuals), four and six years-old.

 All individuals were conveyed to the Santa Flora and Erin Police Stations for further enquiries and safekeeping.

The Immigration Division and Children’s Authority were notified and are continuing investigations, the TTPS stated.

 The exercise was led by officers of the South-Western Division and involved collaboration between the Anti-Gang Unit, South Western Division Task Force, K9 Unit, and officers from the Point Fortin, Erin, and Santa Flora Police Stations.

It was coordinated by Senior Superintendent Thompson, ASP Forbes, ASP Corrie, ASP Sylvan, Inspector Sirju, and Inspector Paul and was supervised by Sergeant Smith.

Officers including Sergeant Singh, Sergeant Jaglal, Corporal Ramkissoon, and Woman Corporal Philandez also participated in the operation.