Reg. 9 cops trained to identify trafficking victims, tackle smuggling in mining areas

Ranks from Regional Police Division Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), in collaboration with members of several Community Policing Groups, participated in a training session focused on human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

The session was held at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Boardroom on Friday and brought together law enforcement officers and community representatives to strengthen their capacity to address trafficking-related matters.

The training was facilitated by Coordinator of the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, Daniel Griffith; State Counsel attached to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Nelissa Paterson and Administration Officer of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Tiffany Williams.

Presenters delivered guidance on distinguishing between migrant smuggling and human trafficking, identifying victims among adults and children and ensuring the ethical handling of such cases. Attention was also given to the role of the Guyana Police Force in responding to and preventing trafficking, particularly within mining and other extractive sectors.

Participants were further sensitised on the provisions of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Act No. 7 of 2023, with emphasis on its legal framework and enforcement procedures.

In a post on Radio Eve Leary’s social media page on Sunday, it was stated that the initiative aimed to strengthen the knowledge and readiness of both police ranks and community members, enabling them to better identify, respond to, and prevent incidents of human trafficking and migrant smuggling within their communities.