The operation, which was carried out at nightclubs and in Ashby Alley, Nelson Street, saw 15 young women from Guyana, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Suriname and Holland, and three men – two Guyanese and a Jamaican – being handed over to the Immigration Department.

Police public relations officer Station Sergeant Barry Hunte said officers from the Special Services Unit, Drug Squad and Canine Unit, conducted the exercise.

Hunte said St Lucian Ian Joseph, 18, who was staying at 1st Avenue, Weekes Land, Goodland, St Michael, was charged for possession of drugs and appeared in court yesterday.

"The other 18 non-nationals remain in the custody of the immigration authorities," Hunte said.