Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi wants citizens to watch out for potential victims of human trafficking as the Government forges international alliances to deal with trans-Atlantic crimes.
He was speaking to reporters at an HDC housing distribution function held at Omardeen Building in San Fernando yesterday, days after he returned from chairing the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force meeting in Jamaica.
Responding to reports of the recent influx of Venezuelans to T&T because of widespread starvation, poverty and spiralling crime, Al-Rawi said he was personally involved in dealing with the human trafficking issue.
“Together with the Ministry of National Security, the Human Trafficking Unit is in full operation and we have lent some significant effort into tightening the results,” he said without divulging details.
He also said the Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon was engaged in talks with Venezuelan security officials for joint sea patrols.
“The government of Venezuela patrols its border by air on the Colombian border where there is a significant flow of narcotics.
Putting the cap on the transfer of narcotics at sea is the next end of the equation,” Al-Rawi said.
He added that joint patrols of all arms of law enforcement have started in San Fernando and environs which yielded favourable results.
“We call upon citizens to do their part because no one government can curb crime.
It is by diligent reporting of activities even if it is through an anonymous hotline that we will deal with the issues,” Al-Rawi said.
He also said that during his meeting with representatives of 27 countries to address money laundering, counter terrorism and organised crime, he forged strong relationships.
He said while T&T had the legislative framework to combat crime, it was important to get the laws to work.