ORANJESTAD – Aruba Police have arrested a 51-year-old Venezuelan man suspected of involvement in a human smuggling operation from Venezuela to Aruba that resulted in the death of at least one person.
The Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling Unit (UMM) arrested the suspect on Thursday morning, September 17, as part of an investigation into a boat journey that took place during the night of September 4 to 5.
According to the Aruba Police Force (KPA), the man is suspected of smuggling people by boat from Venezuela to Aruba.
The investigation intensified after human remains were discovered on September 7 near Boca Tabla, also known as Bachelor’s Beach, behind the Anker area in San Nicolas. Police said the deceased was one of the people who had been aboard the vessel involved in the suspected smuggling operation.
As part of the investigation, UMM carried out a judicial search at the suspect’s residence on Kuiperistraat with assistance from the Narcotics Unit, Flex Team, uniformed police officers and the Rapid Response Team (RRT).
Five other people were found inside the apartment. All five are Venezuelan nationals and were taken in for questioning as investigators work to establish their possible connection to the case.
Aruba Police said human smuggling resulting in death carries a maximum prison sentence of 18 years. Authorities said the investigation is continuing intensively.
Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has information that could assist the investigation to contact the anonymous police tip line at 11141.
The Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling Unit has been part of the Aruba Police Force since 2017 and specializes in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The unit consists of personnel from both the Aruba Police Force and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.