Penal nightclub workers under probe for human trafficking

The National Security Ministry’s Counter Trafficking Unit is investigating two nightclub workers for their possible involvement in a human trafficking ring. On Saturday, Penal police arrested the men, ages 27 and 31, during a raid at Club J’s Bar and Lounge at Batchiya Village, Penal. Police also arrested 17 Dominican Republican women between the ages of 17 to 44, who were found hiding in the club’s ceiling when it began falling.

Police said the men, who were detained in Penal over the weekend, were handed over the CTU as part of an ongoing investigation. The women were transferred to the Immigration Division, where officials were checking to see whether they had the necessary travel documents.

 Officers said it was possible that the women would not be charged, but sent back to their country. Police said the club has been under surveillance for some time. They said it has an elaborate security system, which included electronically locked gates and remote monitoring CCTV cameras. 

In February, 33-year-old Santa Flora pipe fitter Garvin Alexis was stabbed to death by two men, after talking with a female bar patron. In June 2011, 11 women and five men were arrested during another raid at the club after police found the women allegedly dancing in a lewd and suggestive manner.