New Delhi, June 10 -- More than 100 Cuban migrants attempting to enter Brazil on its northern border with Guyana were rescued from human smugglers, Brazilian police said.

The 108 migrants were in custody in Roraima state while authorities regularize their immigration status before referring them to social services workers, police said Tuesday.

Police also said they arrested five people on migrant smuggling charges. Known as "coyotes," the smugglers charged abusive fees while promising a safe crossing to Brazil, police said.

"In reality, the route imposed by them ignores any standard of human dignity or road safety. Foreigners are subjected to exhausting journeys in vehicles that are not properly maintained," police added.

The operatio...