Published On:Wednesday, March 10, 2010

By PAUL G TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

pturnquest@tribunemedia.net

POLICE have cracked what they believe to be a "ring of corruption" at Nassau International Airport, arresting three people for reportedly looting thousands of dollars worth of items from luggage.

According to Superintendent Elaine Sands, officer in charge of the Western District, this case was finally cracked after a month of work with various law enforcement teams including customs, airport security, and personnel from various local and international airlines.

A man, who works with a local airline, along with two women cleaners are expected to be charged before the courts today as police anticipate further arrests within the near future.

On display yesterday at the airport's police station were a number of handbags, cosmetic jewellery, clothes, and shoes which had been uncovered after the arrests.

According to Superintendent Sands, there is no way to tell when the luggage looting began. She said it is also difficult to place a value on what may have been stolen over time.

However, she did say that their investigations have suggested that a group appeared to be targeting their victims at random.

"Our investigation is ongoing at this time, and it might reveal some more things," she added.

The three people in custody are assisting police with their inquiries, Superintendent Stephen Dean told The Tribune yesterday.

He added: "The reality is that over the years many residents and visitors alike have complained of missing luggage when they have been travelling to and from the Bahamas. This has been a major concern for the police.

"So as a result the police over the past years have put in strategies, working in tandem with partners at the airport, security at the airport, and a number of other entities to develop strategies on how we can minimize such incidents of theft of luggage. And we think we have now gotten the biggest break in a little while."

In February of this year a businesswoman complained to the police that thousands of dollars of her clothing merchandise had been stolen from her luggage upon arrival at the Lynden Pindling International Airport. Upon receipt of this information, the police launched an immediate investigation.

Meanwhile, based on some of the items uncovered by the team, police believe "other matters" might have to be pursued with further investigations.