Twelve Venezuelans are expected to be charged with illegal entry into the country and aiding and abetting, following the interception of a vessel carrying 20 passengers off the Icacos Coast, on August 13.

According to reports, Coast Guard officers intercepted a pirogue carrying six men, six women and eight children, as well as 32 buckets of cheese, 14 bullfinch birds and four crocus bags containing meats.

Following investigations, officers received instructions to lay the charges against the 12 immigrants, while the eight children were released into the care of their immediate relatives.