TRAFFICKERS prey on people who are socially and economically disadvantaged in various contexts, making them victims of human trafficking.
According to the United Nations Statistics, Human Trafficking Detection fell by eleven percent in the year 2020, and convictions also dropped by twenty-seven percent compared to 2019 statistics. The United Nations urges Small Island Developing States to develop resource management policies to combat this scourge under the theme, “Leave No One behind”.
In order to meet this growing threat head on, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, through a robust and dynamic programme, with the full support of the United States Embassy and the Florida National Guard; through the state partnership programme, has embarked on a week-long exchange under the heading: “Human and Drug Trafficking Interdiction Subject Matter Expert Exchange.” Thirty-one law enforcement officials are expected to benefit from this exchange, which includes personnel from the Customs and Excise Department.
The aim of this exchange is to equip law enforcement officials with the skills and techniques necessary to swiftly recognize human trafficking victims, offer support to survivors, and end the sense of impunity that traffickers have.
The drug interdiction component of this initiative, also serves to strengthen customs and excise by enhancing skills and knowledge, on how to detect, prevent, and combat drug trafficking at our borders. The Royal Saint Lucia Police is grateful to the United States of America for its assistance, which will go a long way in the organization’s fight against crime.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is doing a commendable job in sourcing the requisite expertise to help decrease crime and protect the public. The organization hopes that more people will use the anonymous tip hotline: 555, to report any suspicious or criminal activity they witness. By doing so, they can help the police to prevent and solve crimes, and to bring justice to the victims and perpetrators.
Remember, if you see something, say something. Your voice can make a difference. Let’s stop human, and drug trafficking together.
#EndHumanTrafficking.