On Saturday the 5th January 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted an American registered private vessel in the waters off the Bahamas. Onboard they found approximately two thousand pounds of cannabis. Law enforcement agencies are satisfied the shipment was destined for Bermuda.

The occupants of the vessel, a 34 year old Bermudian male and another male whose age and nationality have not been disclosed, were taken to Florida where they have made an initial court appearance and remain in custody.

The investigation is being led by the FBI authorities in Florida, supported by the Bermuda Police Service and other jurisdictions.

No prior information was released to the press due to its sensitive nature and the ongoing investigations in Bermuda and elsewhere. No further details can be released at this time.

This seizure highlights the continued determined efforts by those involved in drug smuggling to bring drugs to Bermuda. It also exemplifies the international nature of this insidious criminality and the complex nature of law enforcement operations needed to combat it. This significant success is a credit to law enforcement cooperation and the commitment and effort of Bermuda Police Service personnel.

Update - Operation Safer Streets

Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro, Officer in Charge of Operation Safer Streets

Operation Safer Streets was commenced 4th January 2008. Its’ implementation was as a direct result of the violence that occurred over the Christmas period with the attempted murder of two individuals, and the actual murder of another man.

Since its’ implementation the street teams have struck in every corner of the island – targeting what we term ‘hot spots’. Over 850 Police man hours have been spent in these areas, which are termed as such because of the levels of drug dealing, violence, and other anti-social behaviour that we know to be taking place there.

• Arrest Warrants – 44
• Arrest Found Committing (A non drugs/firearms offence) - 12
• Arrest (Burglary, Theft, Assault etc) - 6
• Arrest (Misuse of Drugs Act) - 25
• Search (Misuse of Drugs Act) - 89
• Search (Misuse of Drugs Act) at a Residence - 10
• Bladed Articles Seized - 6
• Drug Seizures with No Suspect - 29 (Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Ecstasy, Cannabis)
• Firearms Search Warrants Executed – 5

Total Incidents Dealt With: 305

Since its’ inception, the hot spots referred to have become noticeably quieter. Obviously some areas are naturally prone to higher levels of traffic because of surrounding businesses, and premises, but many areas in outlying areas are significantly quieter since the operation began.

These areas are in the heart of our communities and we are making a determined effort to send a strong message that anti-social behaviour of whatever kind will not be tolerated, and that there are consequences for criminal acts.

I want to speak to some members of the community that feel that some of our actions may impact on innocent persons.

Our officers are dealing with (in some instances) very specific people and categories of offences. Our actions will not impact on innocent people unless they are actively engaging in acts of violence, the sale & misuse of illegal drugs, and weapons possession.

Operation Safer Streets has also been working in partnership with the Serious Crime Unit, which is investigating the shootings already referred to. We have executed a number of actions in tandem with Serious Crime Unit in respect of the shootings, and actions continue to flow from those investigations.

We want to reassure the community that the Bermuda Police Service continues to maintain an armed response to incidents that require such, and are prepared to deal with subjects that choose to possess and use firearms or other dangerous weapons.

There has already been extensive coverage on this topic, but it cannot be emphasized enough: There are people hurting in the community through barbaric acts of violence inflicted on Shaundae Jones; Jason Lightbourne & Aquil Richardson.

As a community we need to take control of our destiny and do the right thing. Please tell us what you know about these acts.

I can say that there has been some very good cooperation coming from the community, and in some cases this has resulted in arrests &/or seizures.

If you want to talk to an officer that you know directly, you can do so by calling the main telephone number for Police Headquarters. You can also call the CONFIDENTIAL Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-623-8477.