By LAUREL V WILLIAMS Monday, March 24 2008

THE CEDROS-based Coast Guard detained nine Colombian women who were spotted in a pirogue offshore on Holy Thursday night. The women, ages 18 to 25, were up kept in custody at the Point Fortin Police Station to be questioned by immigration officials.

Reports revealed that Coast Guard officers were on patrol offshore in Cedros at about 8.30 pm Thursday when they saw the pirogue, “Old English.”

The women cannot speak English and had luggage in their possession.

A police report stated the women were on their way to Trinidad.

They spent Good Friday and Glorious Saturday at the station awaiting a translator and immigration officers.

Police said once they were handed over to immigration officials, the women would be deported to their homeland. Investigations are continuing.