In a bold and coordinated strike against human trafficking, the Ministry of Homeland Security’s Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) today executed Operation Triple Knock, targeting two branches of the “Triple R Spa” operating out of Marabella and Cunupia.
The simultaneous raids mark a significant victory for national security agencies and underscore the power of interagency and international collaboration in combating organised exploitation.
The operation was launched following a referral from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Trinidad, demonstrating the critical importance of partnership with international humanitarian agencies. A 20-year-old female Venezuelan national, who arrived in Trinidad in January 2025, bravely came forward after escaping her traffickers. She reported being lured into the country under the false promise of employment at a beauty salon, only to be trafficked at both spa locations. She was given a fictitious monetary debt, forced to consume cocaine, and subjected to ongoing sexual exploitation. After seeking refuge through UNHCR, she was referred to the CTU in late May 2025. The Unit immediately initiated psychosocial support and protective interventions, followed by an in-depth investigation that led to today’s successful enforcement action.
At the Cunupia branch of Triple R Spa, located on Sunrise Crescent, seven adult Latin American females between the ages of 19 and 25 were found. A female Venezuelan national and a male Trinidadian suspect were arrested at the scene.
Simultaneously, at the Pearl Avenue, Marabella location, officers rescued six adult females ranging from ages 18 to 35, as well as a 13-year-old girl, who has since been identified as a potential victim of trafficking (PVoT). A male Trinidadian suspect was also arrested at that location.
Items of significant evidential value were seized from both sites, which are now being processed as part of the ongoing investigation.
This high-impact operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the National Security Special Operations Group (NSSOG) and the Special Naval Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the National Special Operations Unit (NSOU) and the Financial Investigations Branch (FIB) of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), and the Immigration Division. Their unified response reaffirms the nation’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking and organized crime.
To report suspected trafficking in persons, contact the CTU’s toll-free Hotline: 800–4CTU (4288).
