Tue, 2023-06-27

Close to three million dollars’ worth of controlled drugs were seized in a recent joint operation involving the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) and H.M. Customs.

On Thursday 22nd June, 2023, police, in conjunction with H.M. Customs, conducted “Operation Porcini”, after the BPS Drugs Unit were called in when officers from H.M. Customs intercepted a shipment found to contain the controlled drugs MDMA (ecstasy), shatter and cannabis.

The drugs seized had an estimated street value of $2.9 million BDA.

Officers from the BPS Tactical Division and Drugs Unit, led by Detective Inspector Barker, later arrested a 45-year-old man, and executed search warrants at properties in Pembroke and St. George’s in relation to this matter.

Acting Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph, who is currently in charge of the Crime Division, stated:

“This is a significant seizure, which has prevented a substantial amount of controlled drugs from being distributed into our community.”

“The drug ecstasy, in particular, can cause severe impairment and permanent brain damage. In some cases, ecstasy use can lead to stroke, heart attack and death.”

"We will continue to work tirelessly with H.M. Customs to identify and disrupt the importation, sales and distribution, of illicit drugs."

“The success of Operation Porcini demonstrates the effectiveness of our joint efforts and unwavering determination to keep our community safe.”

No further information will be provided at this time. The BPS Drugs Unit continues investigations into this incident.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Tue, 2023-06-27

Whilst on patrol duty in the Crawl area, North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish this morning (Tuesday, 27th June 2023), police officers encountered a male who appeared to have been experiencing a mental health episode, standing in the roadway.

Those initial officers remained inside the marked patrol car and slowly approached the subject, who jumped onto the bonnet of the vehicle, then climbed onto the roof.

Other officers attended the scene and assisted in bringing the male under control, before transporting him to the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, using another police car.

The first vehicle was left with minor damage, (small dents), to the roof and bonnet.

There have been no reports of anyone being injured during this incident.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Thu, 2023-06-22

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 17-year-old Michael Spence-Durrant, Bermuda’s ninth road fatality of 2023, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.

It is now believed that Mr. Spence-Durrant was seriously hurt when the motorcycle he was riding out of Dockyard along Malabar Road, Sandys parish struck a concrete bench in a grassy area near the junction with Heydon Road, around 3:37am Tuesday, 20th June 2023.

He was conveyed to Port Royal Fire Station in a private vehicle for medical treatment, before being rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance.

However, despite all lifesaving efforts the teen, understood to have been a Warwick resident, was pronounced dead later Tuesday morning.

A BPS Family Liaison Officer continues to provide relevant support to Mr. Spence-Durrant’s family.

The appeal continues for any witnesses, or anyone with information about the circumstances, to contact Constable Victor Fishington of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or e-mail vfishington@bps.bm.

Alternatively, please share any information that you may have with a police officer you’re familiar with.

In particular, persons who were travelling along Malabar Road, Sandys parish near Heydon Road at or around the time of this fatal collision – or those who may have assisted immediately after – are once again urged to come forward.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Tue, 2023-06-20

Shortly after 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023, police and other first responders were dispatched to a reported single vehicle road traffic collision, involving a motorcycle, at the junction of Southside Road and Stocks Road, Saint George’s.

Initial indications are a male motorcycle rider was travelling west on Southside Road when he appears to have collided with the kerb and was ejected from the motorcycle.

He was attended to at the scene by Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service personnel until the arrival of EMTs.

He was subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Bermuda Police Service is aware that already, there is footage of the victim at the scene, being circulated on social media.

We are appealing to you to please have compassion for the family and loved ones of the deceased and not forwarded these images on. Instead, should you receive these images, immediately delete them from your device.

We are asking that anyone with information or, who may have witnessed this incident, which marks the 10th fatal road traffic collision this year, to please call the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or, the main police number 295-0011.

The collision scene is currently closed off to vehicular traffic while it is being forensically processed. Diversions are in place on St. David’s Road.

Update: Monday, 31st July - The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 48-year-old Marvin Dyer, Bermuda’s tenth road fatality of 2023, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. Dyer was seriously injured in a reported single vehicle collision that occurred around 6:15pm Tuesday, 20th June 2023, when the motorcycle he was riding apparently struck a kerb, at the junction of Southside Road and Stocks Road in St. George’s.

Despite all lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead later that evening, Tuesday 20th June 2023, at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

A BPS Family Liaison Officer has been providing relevant support to Mr. Dyer’s family.

The investigation continues and any witnesses that have not already come forward, or persons with pertinent knowledge about the circumstances of this fatal collision, are encouraged to contact Constable Kevin Medeiros of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or e-mail kmedeiros@bps.bm.

Alternatively, please share any information that you may have with a police officer you’re familiar with.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Tue, 2023-06-20

Throughout the National Heroes’ Day holiday weekend, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) proactively monitored various social events, such as the carnival themed parties, as well as liquor licensed premises in the City of Hamilton and in other areas outside of the city. BPS officers also conducted road sobriety checkpoints across the island.

While there were no major incidents of anti-social behaviour, the following is an overview of relevant policing activity and an update on two BPS motorcyclists.

Road Sobriety Checkpoints (Friday, 16th June through Monday, 19th June 2023)

There were 537 motorist engagements for sobriety checks, with 8 arrested on suspicion of impaired driving. In addition, 56 stop and searches were conducted, with 8 people arrested for outstanding warrants and one person arrested for drug possession.

A total of 35 moving violation tickets were also issued and 22 motorists received official written warnings.

For the month of June so far (up to 20th June 2023), 20 people have been arrested for impaired driving offences.

The Bermuda Police Service continues to advise that if you consume alcohol – do not ride, or drive.

Carnival Events (Thursday, 15th June through Monday, 19th June 2023)

There were 83 stop and searches conducted and 8 arrests for a combination of drugs and/or outstanding warrants.

A total of 19 moving violation tickets were also issued, with one motorist receiving an official written warning.

BPS Officers Injured in Separate Collisions Discharged From Hospital, Recovering

Two BPS motorcyclists injured in separate night time collisions (Friday, 16th June and Sunday, 18th June) have been discharged from the hospital and continue to recover at home. Inquiries into both collisions continue.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Tue, 2023-06-20

Around 3:37am on Tuesday 20th June 2023, police were dispatched to a report of a collision on Malabar Road, at the junction with Heydon Road, Sandys.

Initial information suggests that at least one male was involved. The circumstances of the accident remain unclear, as the victim had been conveyed to Port Royal Fire Station in a private motorcar, before being transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance.

Despite life saving efforts by EMTs, the male has succumbed to his injuries; making this the 9th reported fatal collision for 2023.

Traffic is being diverted onto Heydon Road, while traffic accident investigators process the scene.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision or anyone who has information surrounding the circumstances, to contact Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788.

We are particularly interested in speaking with the persons who were at the initial scene, at or around the time of the collision or those who may have assisted immediately after.

Update: Thursday, 22nd June - The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 17-year-old Michael Spence-Durrant, Bermuda’s ninth road fatality of 2023, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.

It is now believed that Mr. Spence-Durrant was seriously hurt when the motorcycle he was riding out of Dockyard along Malabar Road, Sandys parish struck a concrete bench in a grassy area near the junction with Heydon Road, around 3:37am Tuesday, 20th June 2023.

He was conveyed to Port Royal Fire Station in a private vehicle for medical treatment, before being rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance.

However, despite all lifesaving efforts the teen, understood to have been a Warwick resident, was pronounced dead later Tuesday morning.

A BPS Family Liaison Officer continues to provide relevant support to Mr. Spence-Durrant’s family.

The appeal continues for any witnesses, or anyone with information about the circumstances, to contact Constable Victor Fishington of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or e-mail vfishington@bps.bm.

Alternatively, please share any information that you may have with a police officer you’re familiar with.

In particular, persons who were travelling along Malabar Road, Sandys parish near Heydon Road at or around the time of this fatal collision – or those who may have assisted immediately after – are once again urged to come forward.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Sun, 2023-06-18

Shortly after 11:20 a.m. on Sunday, June 18th, 2023, police responded to a report of willful damage at the Dellwood Middle School on North Street, Pembroke.

Upon arrival officers observed graffiti spray painted on a number of walls inside the school’s compound and a glass door damaged.

An investigation into this matter has commenced and no further information will be provided by the Bermuda Police Service at this time.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Sun, 2023-06-18

Around 10:17pm on Sunday 18th June 2023, police motor cycles were on mobile patrol in the area of Trimingham Hill Paget, when one of the officers were involved in a single vehicle collision.

The officer has been transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he is being treated for injuries, which are not believed to be serious.

Traffic diversions are in place at north and south roundabouts, while traffic accident investigators process the scene.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Sat, 2023-06-17

Around 10:40pm on Friday 16th June 2023, motorcycle police were on mobile patrol, headed west along North Street, near the junction with Court Street (Tills Hill) Pembroke, when a light truck traveling in an easterly direction attempted to make a right hand turn on to Court Street and collided with one of the police motorcycles.

The officer involved has been transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment of multiple injuries, the extent of which is not known at this time.

The male driver of the truck has been arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.

Traffic diversions are in place at North Street / Dutton Avenue and North Street / Angle Street and the top of Tills Hill, while police process the scene.

Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Sgt. Anthony Smith on 247-1431 or asmith@bps.bm.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Thu, 2023-06-15

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 69-year-old American visitor Duane Presti, Bermuda’s eighth road fatality of 2023, and extends sincere condolences to his wife, family and friends.

Mr. Presti was riding a rental scooter – with his visiting 67-year-old American wife as pillion passenger – when a collision occurred with a local 50-year-old male motorcyclist along Mullet Bay Road, St. George’s around 3:20pm Tuesday, 6th June 2023.

The 69-year-old American visitor was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment. He was later flown to a U.S. hospital for further medical care, where he would ultimately be pronounced dead on Wednesday, 14th June 2023.

A BPS Family Liaison Officer continues to provide relevant support to Mr. Presti’s wife, who sustained non-life threatening injuries and was treated at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The local motorcyclist also received treatment at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Any additional witnesses to this fatal collision are urged to come forward.

Anyone with related information that can assist is now encouraged to call Constable Junior Warner of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788, or e-mail jwarner@bps.bm.

Alternatively, please share any information that you may have with a police officer you’re familiar with.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More