The 35 Haitian nationals who arrived in Jamaica yesterday and attempted to enter the country illegally, were allegedly brought to the island by a suspected smuggler.

This, according to the Ministry of National Security.

The Ministry said preliminary investigations indicate that the captain of the vessel is suspected to be the same individual who illegally brought another group of Haitians who were repatriated in September.

It said based on this information, the police are seeking to lay charges against the suspect after investigations.

The Ministry commended the swift action of the community and the police in identifying and detaining the illegal entrants.

It noted that the group is being processed by the police, immigration, and health authorities.