In a collaborative effort between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Turks & Caicos and the United States, a high-speed vessel carrying contraband was intercepted and disabled in Bahamian waters near Ragged Island.
Following the pursuit initiated by the USCGC Hamilton, a joint team including the HMBS Kamalamee, EF-P129 of the Ragged Island Detachment, and Operations Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), personnel executed a seamless operation resulting in the apprehension of four individuals (3 Bahamian males and 1 Jamaican male).
Under the Command of Lieutenant Patrick Lightfoot, HMBS Kamalamee reported disembarking the four individuals from the go-fast vessel, who were found in possession of an undetermined amount of suspected marijuana.
HMBS Kamalamee is currently enroute to Coral Harbour Base and is expected to arrive on Friday, December 29, 2023, where the individuals and contraband will be handed over to the relevant authorities. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
UPDATE: Upon arrival at HMBS Coral Harbour Base, further investigation determined there was 2,908 lbs of marijuana with an estimated street value of 2 million, nine hundred eight thousand dollars.
This successful joint operation underscores the effective collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and its regional law enforcement partners in combatting illicit activities within the region.
