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Six arrested in $20m drug bust

Dope on the floor: suspected cocaine and cannabis with an estimated street value of $20 million captured in a sting operation on Thursday during Operation Arkab, a joint operation in Bermuda’s waters off the North Shore, by the Bermuda Police Service and the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard. The investigation continues (Photograph by Bermuda Police Service)

A sting that intercepted two boats in Bermuda waters resulted in a major seizure of suspected cannabis and cocaine followed by a string of arrests.

The capture appeared to match a video shared on social media and shot on the North Shore, showing police officers bringing a series of large packages ashore.

Police said that on Thursday that Operation Arkab was conducted with the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard and Bermuda Maritime Operations.

The BPS Drugs Unit was called in after the coastguard, backed by other police officers and Bermuda Maritime Operations, stopped the vessels.

The suspected contraband had an estimated street value of $20 million.

Six men were arrested in connection with the operation, and police executed “several” search warrants in Pembroke and Warwick.

A Royal Bermuda Regiment spokesman said: “The success of this operation is a demonstration of the investment in the capability by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard since its inception in 2020.

“With the support of our partner agencies, the RBR Coastguard works around the clock to make Bermuda waters safer and to protect Bermuda’s interests”

A BPS spokesman added: "We continue to collaborate with the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard and the Bermuda Maritime Operations centre to keep our island free from illicit drugs”

An investigation by the BPS Drugs Unit continues, with no further information given.

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Published November 11, 2023 at 7:59 am (Updated November 11, 2023 at 8:23 am)

Six arrested in $20m drug bust

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