‘Major drug trafficking ring’ smashed as police seize $14m of cannabis
Nine men, including a senior customs officer, have been arrested in a drug bust that seized cannabis with a street value of more than $14 million.
A police spokesman said that officers intercepted two vehicles on Wednesday as they left the executive jet facility at LF Wade International Airport.
A search of the individuals and their luggage led to police recovering “a significant quantity” of cannabis, with an estimated street value of more than $14 million, said the spokesman.
The seizure was part of a wider drug bust dubbed Operation Furud and led to search warrants at residences in Pembroke, Hamilton Parish, Warwick and Southampton.
Acting Superintendent Sherwin Joseph, the officer in charge of the crime division, said: “This seizure has led to the dismantling of a major drug-trafficking ring and left Bermuda a much safer place.
“The BPS is well aware that efforts such as this, aimed at trafficking drugs into the island, often involve the illegal importation of firearms and other contraband.
“We will continue to work with our partners at our ports of entry to strengthen existing security controls and protect our community.”
• March 14, 2022: a “substantial” quantity of drugs valued at about $45,000 was seized after a raid on a Pembroke home. A man was arrested and more than $38,000 in cash was seized
• March 31, 2022: “Operation Mizar” netted 58lb of cannabis worth an estimated street value of $1.2 million after a shipping container was searched. Four people were arrested and three Warwick homes were searched
• April 7, 2022: a “major drug-trafficking ring” at LF Wade International Airport was disturbed after police seized $800,000 worth of cannabis from homes in Hamilton Parish, Devonshire, and Southampton. Six people were arrested following the raids, including three airport workers
• July 2, 2022: Three men were arrested after drugs, drug equipment, and cash were seized from a house on Mount Hill Road, Pembroke. Police did not confirm the amount of cash or drugs found, nor what the suspected drugs were
• August 11, 2022: “Operation Algedi” conducted a raids at 18 properties across the island. Cocaine, live ammunition, more than $300,000 worth of cash, and several high-value goods believed to be bought with the proceeds of crime were all taken. Five people were arrested during the raids
• August 4, 2022: a “major” drug-trafficking ring was busted after police seized $500,000 worth of cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy during raids on five Smith’s houses. Eight illegal dogs, $25,000 in cash, a hydroponics system and several “high-value goods suspected to be acquired from the proceeds of criminality” were also taken. Six people were arrested
• October 24, 2022: “Operation Minotaur” netted $5 million worth of cannabis from several residences. The raids were sparked after a shipping container filled with almost 120lb of cannabis was seized. Three people were arrested
• November 14, 2022: $1.3 million worth of cannabis and heroin were taken from a residence at Collector’s Close, Smith’s. Five men and one woman were arrested following the raid
• February 7, 2023: a raid of two houses in Devonshire and Smith’s netted packages of cocaine and cannabis with a combined street value of $30,000. Four illegal dogs, a hydroponics system used to grow the cannabis indoors, and more than $85,000 in cash were also seized. Seven people were arrested in connection with the raid
• March 15, 2023: Police seized $1.9 million worth of cannabis from a shipping container during raids at a Hamilton business and homes in Pembroke and Devonshire. Four people were arrested, none of whom were connected to the business
Michael Dunkley, the Shadow Minister of National Security, congratulated the officers and organisations involved in the operation.
He said: “A bust of this magnitude takes a lot of co-ordination, a lot of people involved and a lot of communication, so I want to applaud all of those involved.
“People know that I’m on record for always supporting those who work to rid our community of illegal drugs.
“There are too many who are profiting off the sale of illegal drugs in our community and ruining people’s lives and ruining families.”
Mr Dunkley said it was “a great disappointment and concern” to hear that a uniformed officer had been arrested.
He added: “I would applaud those who are weeding out those who would go against what is appropriate.
“Let’s hope that justice takes its appropriate course over time and the community can see the value of following the laws that we have and making sure that we make our community a better and safer place.”
