On Sunday, May 3, 2026, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) was alerted by a Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) air asset at approximately 7:03 p.m. of a suspected narcotics go-fast vessel located 11 miles west of Duncan Town, Ragged Island. As a result, HMBS Kamalamee was tasked to investigate.
At approximately 1:57 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, HMBS Kamalamee interdicted the vessel approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Mars Bay Settlement, Andros. The vessel had two persons on board and ten bales of suspected marijuana. During the pursuit, an additional fifty-six bales of suspected marijuana were observed being jettisoned and were later recovered by RBDF personnel.
An RBDF Interceptor is currently en route to Coral Harbour Base with the two individuals and the suspected narcotics. The estimated time of arrival is 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026.
HMBS Kamalamee is expected to arrive at Coral Harbour Base at approximately 9:00 p.m. with the suspected narcotics go-fast vessel. A thorough search of the vessel will be conducted upon arrival, as one could not be completed at sea due to weather constraints.
Under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Floyd Moxey, the RBDF continues to optimize excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. The organization commends the professionalism of its personnel and the coordination with United States counterparts, and reaffirms its commitment to intelligence-driven, collaborative operations that safeguard the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
