Crime
NEW: TCI Operation Pursuit to Crack Down on People Smuggling
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, May 5, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos has created a new campaign to go after those who facilitate human trafficking in-country; ‘Operation Pursuit’ is the name of the new multi-agency framework that will work on land and at sea to reduce smuggling. The new undertaking was the result of an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council, called out of concern over the increasing number of migrants heading to the Turks and Caicos in an attempt to breach its borders illegally.
Operation Pursuit will not only focus on interdictions at sea but dismantle land based operations that provide a
haven for the irregular migrants in the country. The focus will be on undocumented migrants, business, and liquor license premises, construction sites, and road traffic offenders. In addition, strengthened intelligence gathering, surveillance and air surveillance is planned.
The National Security Council says this operation will locate, identify, and process persons involved in transnational and organised crime, and gather and share intelligence with local and international partners.
The migrants are arriving on both small fast boats under the cover of night and inconspicuous trade vessels abusing their legal right to enter the country. Desperation resulting from the continued decline of the humanitarian situation in Haiti, has pushed more migrants to the Turks and Caicos than police have recorded in years, over 1600 in the first four months of 2023.
The meeting was attended by top country officials including Anya Williams, Acting Governor, Washington Misick, TCI Premier, Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles, Attorney General, and senior security leaders.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Media Release
July 15th, 2024.
SHAIWANZO MISSICK of South Back Salina, Grand Turk, has been charged with six counts of firearm-related offences.
Missick, 30, was charged on July 13 after police officers consulted with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The offences against Missick are:
- One Count – Discharging Firearm
- One Count- Discharging Ammunition
- One Count-Possession of Firearm with intent to commit a serious offence
- Two Counts-Possession of Ammunition
- One Count –Possession of Firearm
- One Count-Possession of Controlled Drugs
- One Count- Possession of Controlled Drugs with intent to supply.
The charges against Missick came following a report made on Saturday, 29 June 2024, following a shooting incident in Breezy Brae.
Officers obtained a warrant and searched the accused’s residence based on the information received.
The RT&CIPF is asking the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app from the Google Play Store or Apple Apps and share information anonymously.
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