30 detained in joint human trafficking probe as police confirm multi-agency operation

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has broken its silence on a recent high-profile raid connected to suspected human trafficking activity, confirming that 30 individuals were detained during a joint multi-agency operation earlier this week.

The police issued their first public statement more than 48 hours after the July 9 operation, which was carried out in collaboration with technical support from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Regional Security System (RSS), along with local law enforcement units.

According to the police, the coordinated search was executed across several locations in both St. Kitts and Nevis and was aimed at individuals and groups suspected of involvement in human smuggling, organized crime, and immigration violations.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that 11 search warrants were executed—three on Nevis and eight on St. Kitts. The outcome of the operation saw 30 individuals detained, including 26 adults who were arrested and four juveniles placed in protective custody. Several electronic devices and other items believed to hold evidential value were also seized.

In response to SKNVibes News questions—including whether intelligence led to the suspicion of human trafficking, and whether there had been a noticeable rise in such cases—the police offered limited details but confirmed that the operation was "supported by prior intelligence that warranted targeted action."

"While we are not in a position to disclose sensitive operational details, I can confirm that the individuals in question are assisting with inquiries linked to transnational activity consistent with human trafficking indicators,” the statement noted.

Regarding possible links between organized crime and a recent spike in drug seizures, police acknowledged that “those linkages are also under analytical review.”

As the investigation continues, the operation has triggered growing public interest and questions surrounding the scale of human trafficking activity within the Federation.