2 Venezuelans arrested for human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: Special Investigations Unit of Trinidad and Tobago captured two Venezuelans' for human trafficking in the country. The SIU conducted the mission in a joint sortie with the Counter-Trafficking Unit and Interpol. The accused have been identified as Pedro David Hernandez Patete, 29 and Nohemy Del Rosario Valasquez, 22. Police officials stated that they both had been charged under different sections of the criminal law, while two Trinidad and Tobago citizens have also been caught in association with the same matter, while the police later released them upon investigations. Police told media that the two had been charged with transporting nine Latin American nationals inclusive a minor, for prostitution. Pedro David Hernandez Patete has was charged for exploiting and transporting a person with Trinidad and Tobago for prostitution, procuring prostitution, and other sections under the Sexual Offences Act. Nohemy Del Rosario Valasquez Procuration for Prostitution opposed in section 17 of the Sexual Offences Act.

The two were captured by the Special Task Force on June 2nd, based on the intelligence. They were also presented before the court through a virtual hearing; however, the Justice adjourned the matter.

Interrogations and records were carried which led to the issuance of a search warrant at Central Park, Balmain, Couva, where three more persons were captured. Police officials recorded statements Statements were recorded, and screenings were conducted with the nine Latin American nationals, while only tSergeant (Ag) Ramsaran formally charged two suspects.