Drug Photos provided by BPS

Without doubt the Police Narcotics Department has an ever present challenge in its efforts to control the illegal importation of drugs into Bermuda. 

Last Wednesday’s (19^th April 2023)  seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of over $14million resulted from an operation carried out by the BPS Drugs Unit, assisted by the Financial Crime Unit, Criminal Investigation Unit and the Tactical Division, with the interception of two vehicles, in which persons who had just left the Executive Jet Facility at the L.F. Wade International Airport were travelling. A subsequent search of the individuals and their luggage, led to the recovery of a significant quantity of the controlled drug, cannabis.

The seizure was part of an operation dubbed, “Operation FURUD” and also resulted in the arrest of nine suspects, one of whom is a Senior Customs Officer. As part of the operation, warrants were executed at a number of residences in Pembroke, Hamilton parish, Warwick and Southampton.

Acting Detective Superintendent, Sherwin Joseph, the officer in charge of Crime Division stated: “This seizure, has led to the dismantling of a major drug trafficking ring and left Bermuda a much safer place. The BPS is well aware that efforts such as this, aimed at trafficking drugs into the island, often involve the illegal importation of firearms and other contraband. We will continue to work with our partners at our ports of entry, to strengthen existing security controls, and protect our community.”

The ongoing success of the fight against illegal drugs is clearly illustrated  by the following summary of some of the major drug seizures carried our during the last 12 months as reported in this morning’s Royal Gazette (CLICK HERE to view the article):-

• March 14, 2022: a “substantial”quantity of drugs valued at about $45,000 was seized after a raid on a Pembroke home. A man was arrested and more than $38,000 in cash was seized.

• March 31, 2022: “Operation Mizar”netted 58lb of cannabis worth an estimated street value of $1.2 million after a shipping container was searched. Four people were arrested and three Warwick homes were searched.

• April 7, 2022: a “major drug-trafficking ring”at LF Wade Airport was disturbed after police seized $800,000 worth of cannabis from homes in Hamilton Parish, Devonshire, and Southampton. Six people were arrested following the raids, including three airport workers.

• July 2, 2022: Three menwere arrested after drugs, drug equipment, and cash were seized from a house on Mount Hill Road, Pembroke. Police did not confirm the amount of cash or drugs found, nor what the suspected drugs were.

• August 11, 2022: “Operation Algedi”conducted a raids at 18 properties across the island. Cocaine, live ammunition, more than $300,000 worth of cash, and several high-value goods believed to be bought with the proceeds of crime were all taken. Five people were arrested during the raids.

• August 4, 2022: a “major”drug-trafficking ring was busted after police seized $500,000 worth of cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy during raids on five Smith’s houses. Eight illegal dogs, $25,000 in cash, a hydroponics system, and several “high-value goods suspected to be acquired from the proceeds of criminality” were also taken. Six people were arrested during the raids.

• October 24, 2022: “Operation Minotaur”netted $5 million worth of cannabis from several residences. The raids were sparked after a shipping container filled with almost 120lb of cannabis was seized. Three people were arrested following the incident.

• November 14, 2022: $1.3 million worth of cannabis and heroin were taken from a residence at Collector’s Close, Smith’s. Five men and one woman were arrested following the raid.

• February 7, 2023: a raid of two housesin Devonshire and Smith’s netted packages of cocaine and cannabis with a combined street value of $30,000. Four illegal dogs, a hydroponics system used to grow the cannabis indoors, and more than $85,000 in cash were also seized. Seven people were arrested in connection with the raid.

• March 15, 2023: Police seized $1.9 million worth of cannabisfrom a shipping container during raids at a Hamilton business and homes in Pembroke and Devonshire. Four people were arrested, none of whom were connected to the business.

We wish the BPS and HM Customs continued success in their efforts to seriously curtail the importation of illegal drugs into the Island.