A number of Venezuelan nationals who entered Guyana illegally and were nabbed during a joint services operation in the Iwokrama Protected Area reserve have been ordered deported after pleading guilty to illegal entry.

They were also fined $50,000 by Magistrate Clive Nurse during their Court appearance on Tuesday.

The Venezuelans were nabbed on the 13th and 14th June 2026.

In addition to the charge of illegal entry, some of the Venezuelans were also charged with illegal mining. On the illegal mining charge, they also pleaded guilty and were each fined $25,000.

Several Guyanese nationals were among the 40 persons charged for illegal mining activities and were also fined after pleading guilty to illegal mining within the Iwokrama Conservation area.

There were at least four women among those charged.

The Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force have been leading a number of operations in the interior regions following reports of an upsurge in illegal mining activities.

The Iwokrama Conservation site has repeatedly complained of illegal mining activities taking place within the reserve.

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