Investigation launched into trafficking, exploitation & abuse as 44 women rescued from night club

A total of 44 women, all foreigners, were reportedly rescued during a joint operation by local authorities in Georgetown on Monday.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed that the Criminal Investigation Department and the Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Guyana Police Force in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security – C-TIP Unit conducted a cordon and search operation at the Red Dragon Night Club, situated on Robb Street, Georgetown.

This was done on March 04, 2024 at approximately 2:30 hrs and was based on intelligence received.

“During this operation, forty-four (44) female foreign nationals were discovered and taken into protective care. They are currently being offered various care services by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security,” the statement from the Ministry noted.

The Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into alleged acts of trafficking in persons and other forms of exploitation and abuse. Additionally, law enforcement officials discovered a .32 Taurus pistol and eight rounds of ammunition on the premises.

“The Ministry will provide further updates as they become available and wishes to notify the public that the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Police Force, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and other anti-trafficking in persons stakeholders will continue to engage the public and monitor such establishments,” the statement concluded.