Forty-four-year-old Samuel Weekes has been charged with human trafficking and rape.

The alleged gang leader was arrested at the Piarco International Airport trying to leave for Colombia.

In a statement yesterday the police service said Mr. Weekes was trying to board a Copa Airlines flight to Panama and then to Colombia.

On Wednesday he appeared before a Chaguanas Magistrate and was remanded until February 7^th.

Police said his arrest followed ongoing human trafficking investigations, which resulted in 27 women from Latin America being rescued on Old Years Day last year.

According to the police several agencies and officers were involved in the investigations.

After consultations with the director of public prosecutions charges were laid.

Acting Police Commissioner, McDonald Jacob says Mr. Weekes of Duke Street in Port of Spain was wanted based on intelligence gathered.

He says Mr. Weekes was allegedly involved in a high level criminal enterprise.