Two Venezuelans have been charged following an intensive investigation by the Special Investigations Unit (Special Task Force) with the assistance of the Counter Trafficking Unit and Interpol.
Pedro David Hernandez Patete, 29, was charged with the following:
Transporting a Person within Trinidad for the Purpose of Exploiting that person for Prostitution, contrary to Section 23 of the Trafficking in Persons Act 12:10
Procuration for Prostitution, contrary to Section 17 of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 11:28 as amended.
Nohemy Del Rosario Valasquez, 22, was charged with the following:
Procuration for Prostitution, contrary to Section 17 of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 11:28 as amended.
The two accused appeared at a virtual hearing before a Port of Spain Magistrates’ Court today, June 9th, 2021 and bail was denied.
The matter was adjourned to July 7th, 2021.
On June 2, 2021, based on intelligence, and following painstaking enquiries and surveillance, officers with the assistance of the North Eastern Division Task Force, intercepted two vehicles at Bamboo Settlement No. 2, Valsayn, transporting nine Latin American nationals inclusive of a minor.
Two Trinidad and Tobago nationals were also arrested. Enquiries and interviews were conducted which led to the execution of a
search warrant at Central Park, Balmain, Couva, where three persons were arrested and detained. Also assisting in the execution of the search warrant were members of MOPS and the Crime Scene Unit.
Statements were recorded and screenings were conducted with the nine Latin American nationals. Two suspects were formally charged by Sergeant (Ag) Ramsaran. The two Trinidad and Tobago nationals were released pending further enquiries. The investigations were coordinated by Senior Superintendent Christopher Paponette and spearheaded by Superintendent Michael Veronique, in conjunction with Alana Wheeler of the Counter Trafficking Unit, and advice from S.I.U. Legal Officer, Zaheer Ali.
Investigations are continuing into this matter.
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