Thirty-one Venezuelan nationals were detained by police after they were found entering the country illegally via the Los Iros beach over the weekend.

At 11.55 am on Sunday police were alerted to a large group breaching the border along the Los Iros Beach, Santa Flora.

Officers of the SWD Emergency Response Patrol (ERP) and Siparia Criminal Investigations Department (CID) immediately responded, and when they arrived at the location, the officers intercepted two Hyundai Trajet motor vehicles which were being used to transport the group.

The group of 13 women and 18 men have been placed into quarantine, after which they will be repatriated.

Meanwhile the drivers of the vehicles, two T&T nationals aged 36 and 61, are expected to be charged in connection with the matter.