The Tribune

By Rashad Rolle

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

POLICE yesterday seized 2,000 lbs of marijuana, estimated at $2 million, in Eleuthera and nearby Current Island.

One part of the police chase ended when a group of suspects’ Midnight Express boat ran out of fuel near Current Island.

According to Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) commander Samuel Butler, DEU officers, acting on intelligence, went into Gregory Town, Eleuthera, around 3:30 am and seized 45 bags of marijuana. The officers were assisted by Exuma and Eleuthera police officers.

“We then engaged in a chase that led us to Current Island where we intercepted a boat with four suspects and a number of bags of marijuana,” Mr Butler said.

The suspects, who are currently in police custody, include one man believed to be a Jamaican and three Bahamians, who are familiar to police.

Seven other people were also taken into custody in Eleuthera before police were led on a chase to Current Island which is about 40 miles across from Gregory Town, which is on mainland Eleuthera.

“Within 48 hours we will determine who will be charged,” Mr Butler said, adding that the capture “was due to human efforts and human determination.”

Mr Butler also said the drugs seized are not being grown in the Bahamas. They are being grown in Jamaica, he said.

Yesterday’s drug bust is one of many that the DEU has made this year.

Mr Butler said officers have exceeded last year’s drug seizure by 50 per cent.