On Wednesday, a vessel in Turks and Caicos intercepted a large number of illegal migrants. Reports from the Marine Branch Officers of the police force said they intercepted the vessel after a patrol exercise.

The officers say that around 2:51 pm, their Sea Protector vessel intercepted a migrant vessel about 3.5 miles southwest of the Bluff, Providenciales, carrying 202 illegal migrants – 40 females; three of whom are minors, and 162 males, including one minor. 

All were handed over to the Migration Task Force. Four packages were also seized in the process. Cannabis was found in the packages

Additionally, Marine Officers seized four packages containing what appeared to be cannabis, floating in close proximity to the illegal migrant vessel. The drugs were handed over to the police.

This according to reports is the eighth interception for the year. 

Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams said praised the Marine Branch for their effort in keeping the country’s waters safe. 

“The protection of the TCI border remains a high priority for the RTCIPF and we remain grateful for the collaborations between our regional and international partners. Through several agencies, including the RTCIPF Marine Branch, Maritime Operations Center and the Immigration Task Force working cohesively, this sloop was identified and intercepted, preventing over 200 irregular migrants from entering the TCI illegally,” he said.

“These are challenging operations in a dangerous environment, and I wish to thank members of the public for their continued support of the Force by sharing information with us. We are extremely grateful and by working in partnership with your police service, together we can certainly make a difference in building a safer TCI,” he said.

The public is being advised to notify the closest police station or to contact Crime Stoppers and give any information about illegal activity anonymously.