18 Salvadorans Nabbed by Police in Human Trafficking Operation
The police have made a significant bust of a suspected smuggling ring of illegal Central American nationals. Two Cayo residents, twenty-two year old Anival Alvarenga and twenty-four year old Victor Garcia, are in big trouble with the law tonight after they were caught transporting almost a score of illegal immigrants from somewhere along the Benque border and heading north. Around eight o’clock on Tuesday night, Rural Eastern Division officers intercepted a grey van with Cayo license plates traveling on the Phillip Goldson Highway near Gardenia. Inside the van were eighteen Salvadoran nationals: Jose Sarmiento, Santos Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez, Jonathan Machado, Jose Diaz, Maria Medina, Silvia Aguirre, Jose Sorto, Jose Rivas, Jonathan Pena, Julio Cabrera, Nahum Fuentes, Carmen Mendoza, Sandra Hernandez, Romero Escalante and three minors—ages fifteen, eleven and four. Assistant Commissioner of Police Edward Broaster explains.
ACP Edward Broaster, Regional Commander, Rural Eastern Division
“This interception happened between Ladyville and gardenia. We have managed to confiscate the van and arrested the two coyotes who were taking the Salvadorans to the north. We know that they were coming from the western border area, from Benque heading to Orange Walk.”
Duane Moody
“What is suspected that they were going to do? Cross over the border and enter into Mexico or stay in the country?”
Edward Broaster
ACP Edward Broaster
“Well yes, we know that they were transporting them to take them to the Mexican side so that they can further go to the U.S.”
Reporter
“So there are three minors?”
ACP Edward Broaster
“Yes. One fifteen, one eleven, and one four.”
Duane Moody
“And there were two coyotes right?”
ACP Edward Broaster
“Yes, there were two coyotes – one Anival Alvarenga and his sideman was one Victor Garcia, both from Benque…or from Cayo I should say.”
Duane Moody
“Sir have you been able to ascertain what these persons paid to be transported through the country?”
ACP Edward Broaster
“From the interview we had with them, no. they are not saying anything as to that aspect. We have our Assistant Superintendent Juanito Cocom presently in El Salvador at this time so he’ll be making checks to see whether or not any of these individuals are wanted or have any affiliation to the Mara Salvatruchas in Salvador.”
Duane Moody
“Sir has police come up on these coyotes before?”
ACP Edward Broaster
“No.”
Duane Moody
“Because we know that there was an incident that happened some time aback where I believe a van was intercepted with some illegal immigrants.”
ACP Edward Broaster
“Right and those were turned over to immigration department as same that will be done with this case.”
