News
Loop News 4 hrs ago
TCI police
Law enforcement authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands have declared a recent 72-hour operation, during which 36 illegal immigrants were detained, a success.
According to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the operation, dubbed “Operation Dragon”, took place from Wednesday, June 11 to Saturday, June 14. It focused on the Blue Hills area in Providenciales, which is considered a high-risk location for criminal activity.
The police reported that the operation aimed “to establish a robust and sustained law enforcement presence in identified high-risk areas. It is geared towards deterring illegal activity, apprehending wanted individuals and dismantling the operations of organised criminal groups engaged in illegal immigration, drug and firearms trafficking.”
In addition to Blue Hills, authorities extended the operation to several nearby settlements, including La Tortue, Rony Yard, Mary Jane Lane, Snake Hill, and the area behind the African Store.
The results of the operation were notable. In total, 36 illegal immigrants were detained, 158 dwellings were searched, and 97 vehicles were stopped. Officers also conducted searches of 65 individuals, seized five vehicles, issued 24 tickets, and carried out 14 snap raids and 10 vehicle checkpoints.
Seized items included two ounces of cannabis and a grinder, one gambling machine containing $480 in cash, and two offensive weapons.
Authorities said the public responded positively to the police efforts. “Residents expressed appreciation for the enhanced police presence and welcomed the sense of safety and reassurance it brought to their communities. The vehicle checkpoints and flag marches were exceptionally well received, and cooperation from the public increased as the operation progressed,” they stated.
Officials praised the overall success of the operation, which they say has laid a foundation for ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and illegal activity in vulnerable communities.
