Manitoba RCMP’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team makes arrest in human smuggling investigation
On March 12, Jose Pablo Hilario Pimentel (Hilario), 34, currently residing in Ontario, was taken into custody by the Manitoba RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) on charges of Human Smuggling and Counselling Misrepresentation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The investigation into Hilario’s activities began after a traffic stop conducted by Morden Police Service in Morden on March 11, 2024, at approximately 11:55 pm. At the time, Hilario had five passengers in his vehicle who were arrested under the Customs Act. All five passengers were dressed in layers for the cold weather. Four of the passengers were in their 20s while one passenger was 58 years of age.
It was determined through the investigation that all the passengers were going to attempt to enter the United States. Of the five passengers, two had valid status in Canada. The remaining passengers were turned over to Canada Border Services Agency for further processing.
The investigation continues, while Hilario remains in custody at this time.
Human smuggling is said to be on the increase, it’s lucrative for smugglers and those seeking entry to Canada or to the USA do so for a variety of reasons.
On Dec. 8, 2023 CBC News reported, “a lucrative cross-border human smuggling market is attracting criminal organizations looking to cash in on moving 'vulnerable' people from Canada into the U.S., according to the senior RCMP officer who oversees border policing.”
