U.S. Coast Guard Aids in $2.5M Marijuana Bust in Bahamas

Soft Secrets
10 Sep 2015

International authorities seized nearly 2,900 pounds of weed, six suspects in custody


International authorities seized nearly 2,900 pounds of weed, six suspects in custody

Nearly 2,900 pounds of marijuana seized in anti-smuggling operations is unloaded in Nassau, Bahamas, on September 6, 2015. [Credit: USCG]

On September 6, 2015, authorities unloaded seized Cannabis weighing in at 2,842 pounds, resulting from three separate law enforcement operations conducted by Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT).

Authorities estimate the wholesale value of the seized pot to be just over $2.5 million.

The United States Coast Guard, United States Customs Border Protection Office of Air and Marine (CBP-OAM), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bahamas Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), a division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, collaborated to ensnare smuggling suspects in the known water routes near Nassau, Bahamas.

According to the USCG, CBP-OAM crews conducted surveillance of suspicious 'go-fast' vessels in the area, which contains often-utilized transiting waters for drug running boats.

Surface vessels were assisted by air units, including a Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter aircrew that was launched to support DEA and DEU agents in the seizure of the contraband marijuana, a related vehicle and two boats. In total, six suspects were arrested.

In a press release, Commander Mark Driver, Coast Guard OPBAT Director, stated, "OPBAT remains vigilant in its mission to protect citizens of both the U.S. and Bahamas. The strong partnership [that] U.S. and Bahamian forces enjoy creates a potent deterrent to criminal activity and has resulted in the seizure of over forty-five tons of narcotics since October 2014."

 

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