Police seize firearm and drugs during routine vehicle check
A firearm and a quantity of drugs were seized during a routine traffic stop in Southampton, police said yesterday.
Officers were carrying out vehicle checks near Horseshoe Bay on Thursday night when they said they “had cause” to stop a private car being driven by a 40-year-old man, who was accompanied by a 29-year-old woman.
Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro said: “A search of their vehicle uncovered a loaded firearm and a quantity of suspected controlled drugs, assessed to be a sufficient amount for supply.”
The two suspects were detained at Hamilton Police Station and a file is now being prepared for the director of public prosecution.
Mr Pedro added: “Carrying or possessing a firearm carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 to 17 years in prison on conviction in the Supreme Court, and a term of imprisonment of up to seven years on conviction in the Magistrates Court, for a first-time offender.
“Possessing a firearm in Bermuda is a serious matter and anyone found in possession of a firearm will very likely go to prison.
“We take matters relating to guns very seriously, and will use the latest forensic and evidential techniques available to catch and convict persons possessing and using firearms.
“Please be warned that our officers are actively tasked with catching persons involved in this activity, and we will take steps to ensure that the full force of the law is utilised to achieve this.
“We need members of our community to continue helping us to make Bermuda safer. If you know about anyone with a firearm, please call us directly on 211, or call the independent and anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.”
