REGIONAL COOPERATION IN DRUG ARREST

Mon, 2018-07-23

In December 2016, The Bermuda Police Service arrested two Canadians nationals for the importation of the potent and dangerous controlled drug fentanyl from Canada to Bermuda. Members of The Organized & Economic Crime Department (OECD) of the Bermuda Police Service, working in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), commenced a joint investigation to tackle transnational crime to suppress dangerous drugs from entering Bermuda and dismantle the conspiracy network involved.

As a result of the joint investigation the RCMP have conducted an operation in the Greater Toronto Area which recently culminated in the arrest of eight (8) persons in Canada for various Conspiracy and Drug Trafficking charges. The 18 month joint investigation lead to the seizure of kilogram levels of Fentanyl, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Cannabis, Counterfeit US currency, 12 handguns, ammunition, and a grenade. The joint inter-agency collaboration demonstrates that the Bermuda Police Service and their international law enforcement partners mutual commitment in tackling Transnational Crime.

In an official RCMP news release, Inspector Donna Streeter, Officer in Charge - Toronto North Serious and Organized Crime Team said “Serious and Organized Crime in Canada is a multi-faceted and borderless problem impacting all.

Canadians, directly or indirectly. Through a variety of specialized programs and teams, the RCMP combats serious and organized crime by implementing intelligence-led police operations with the collaboration of domestic and international partners.”

BPS Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Sean Field-Lament stated, “Let me echo the recent RCMP press release on the successful collaboration between the Bermuda Police Service and its overseas law enforcement partners- in particular in this case the RCMP. Transnational Organized Crime is a global threat- only with professional mutual assistance and support can it be effectively and efficiently tackled. The hard work of local OCED officers was invaluable in the success of the RCMP operation in dismantling this drug trafficking network which had been targeting Bermuda amongst its myriad of criminal activities. This fantastic result should send a strong message to those intending to smuggle dangerous drug and prohibited items across Canadian and Bermudian borders.”

Anyone having information concerning criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Bermuda Police Service on 295-0011, or speak with their local Community Action Team Officer alternatively on the “Crime Stoppers confidential hotline 800-8477.”