A suspected human smuggling operation has been uncovered after the police found and detained six illegal migrants, three females and three children believed to be Haitian and Brazilian nationals, at premises in Leith Hall district in St Thomas.

The illegal migrants have been identified as: Michena Jeudy, 32; Mesidor Venita, 37; Islande Dominique, 28; Keven Leger, 4; Tammyson Haynes, 5; and Fawendia Leger, 11.

Reports are that the six were found hiding at two separate premises in the rural community this morning. When accosted by the police, they were reportedly unable to give an account as to how they entered the island or provide travel documents as evidence that they entered Jamaica through the legal channels.

They have been taken to the Morant Bay Police Station for processing.

The police also detained three Jamaicans who were found occupying the premises where the illegal migrants were found hiding.

They have been identified as: 31-year-old Kevon Eldermire, otherwise called ‘Harry Potter’; Tony Hutchinson, 63; and Kevin Williams, 50.

Investigations into the illegal entry and housing of the illegal migrants continue.

Last Sunday, the police in the neighbouring parish of Portland detained nine Haitians after the boat in which they landed was found ashore on the Long Bay beach. They were taken into custody after the police intercepted a vehicle in which they were trying to flee the location with the help of a fellow Haitian, who had been living in Jamaica after arriving as a refugee at least a year ago. They have all since been repatriated to Haiti.