Aruba Police arrested a 51-year-old Venezuelan man on September 17 in a human smuggling case involving a suspected boat voyage from Venezuela to Aruba.
The police account, reported by AWE24, links the investigation to a voyage during the night of September 4 to 5.
Investigation follows discovery near Bachelor’s Beach
On September 7, human remains belonging to one person believed to have been aboard the vessel were found near Boca Tabla, also known as Bachelor’s Beach, behind Anker in San Nicolas.
Police said the Unit Mensenhandel en Mensensmokkel, or UMM, is investigating the suspected smuggling operation. The unit has specialized in human trafficking and smuggling cases since 2017 and includes personnel from Aruba Police and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.
Five people taken for questioning
Police carried out a judicial search at the suspect’s residence on Kuiperstraat with the narcotics unit, Flex Team, uniformed officers and the rapid response team. Five other Venezuelan nationals found in the apartment were taken for questioning.
The investigation remains active. Police asked anyone with information to contact the anonymous tip line at 11141.
Source: AWE24 — Aruba Police report on human smuggling arrest
