Vandrick Nelson Smith, Human Trafficking, Florida 2023

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Deadly Human Trafficking Ring Busted in Florida

Vandrick Nelson Smith, 33, also known as Muggy and Vans, a citizen of the Bahamas, was arrested in the Bahamas on March 6, 2023, on a request from the United States stemming from charges filed in the Southern District of Florida in November 2023.

According to court documents, Smith was allegedly involved in a human trafficking organization that attempted to smuggle migrants from the Bahamas to the United States by boat. The migrants, from countries including Colombia, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, allegedly paid money to the organization to be smuggled into the United States.

A grand jury indictment alleges that Smith was personally involved in three maritime human trafficking incidents, including one that resulted in five deaths.

‘The human trafficking operations put people’s lives at risk for economic gain,’ said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. ‘Human traffickers take advantage of migrants’ hopes for a better life. Tragically, the traffickers’ actions represent a grave danger to migrants. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our partners to prosecute those who engage in illegal human trafficking operations to protect vulnerable migrants and save lives.’

Vandrick Smith has been charged with organizing perilous human trafficking operations, sending migrants by boat from the Bahamas to Florida. As alleged in the grand jury indictment, the organization’s human trafficking operations turned deadly when a boat carrying migrants capsized in January 2022.

‘Vandrick Smith has been charged with organizing perilous human trafficking operations, sending migrants by boat from the Bahamas to Florida,’ said Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole M. Argentieri, chief of the Division’s Criminal Division. ‘As alleged in the grand jury indictment, the organization’s human trafficking operations turned deadly when a boat carrying migrants capsized in January 2022. Human traffickers exploit desperate people for money, and the consequences can be tragic. The Division is committed to combating human trafficking organizations that take advantage of and put at risk vulnerable migrants, wherever they operate.’

Smith is alleged to have been involved in three maritime human trafficking operations that occurred on or about March 6, 2021, January 22, 2022, and August 8, 2022. The grand jury indictment alleges that on the night of January 22, 2022, numerous migrants boarded a vessel in the Bahamas bound for Florida. Shortly after the vessel departed, the engines allegedly failed, and the vessel capsized. On January 25, 2022, U.S. Coast Guard rescued the sole surviving migrant, who was clinging to the top of the overturned vessel.

‘HSI remains dedicated to working with our national and international partners to bring to justice brazen criminals who prioritize economic gain over human life and safety,’ said HSI Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury. ‘The risks associated with maritime human trafficking operations are extreme. We urge the public to avoid venturing into these perilous journeys with dangerous criminal organizations that often result in tragedies.’

Vandrick Nelson Smith’s current status is not available.