Teenagers among 6 Venezuelan women found at Correntyne business during TIP probe

A 16-year-old and 18-year-old were among six Venezuelan women found occupying separate rooms at a business premises at Number 65 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), during a police operation on Wednesday evening to investigate reports of possible Trafficking in Persons (TIP).

The operation was conducted after police received reports alleging possible TIP activities at the premises. A search warrant was executed at the business, where police found the six Venezuelan nationals, who range in age from 16 to 32. The women are aged 16, 18, 21, 25, 25, and 32.

Police said the women were questioned through an interpreter concerning their presence at the establishment and their employment circumstances. They reportedly told investigators that they were employed by the businessman who operates the premises as bartenders.

The women were subsequently screened for possible indicators of Trafficking in Persons. The six women were taken to the Number 51 Police Station, where they were further interviewed and screened for possible TIP indicators. The businessman, a 33-year-old Guyanese male of No. 65 Village, was present at the premises during the operation. His name is being withheld.

Police said they will liaise with the Trafficking in Persons Unit, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding the 16-year-old.The investigation remains ongoing.