By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
A BREAK-IN at the Department of Customs’ warehouse near the Lynden Pindling International Airport involved suspects who drove a forklift through the walls of the building, causing significant damage to the structure.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean yesterday said “the incident is alleged to have occurred between (Saturday) evening and 8am (Sunday) morning”.
“The entire building was ransacked and at this time it is unknown if anything was stolen,” he said.
Images of the ransacked building were circulated on social media yesterday, prompting shock and alarm.
In some parts, the sheetrock of the building was torn into and the ceiling tiles were ripped apart and fell in as the forklift rummaged through.
Desk draws were left wide open and files were scattered on the floor along with garbage bins that were knocked over.
The police investigation continues.
Comments
John 6 years, 10 months ago
This type activity use to happen several years ago with consistency. Then it was discovered that two things were happening: (1) Persons would import high value shipments into the country, then break into the customs warehouse and steal the goods so they did not have to pay the duties. (2) Persons working at the building knew when valuable shipments were in the warehouse. So they would organize the break-in and get away with thousands of dollars in goods. Guards were eventually stationed at the property and cameras installed. Some people were aprehended and the break-ins stopped.
Economist 6 years, 10 months ago
Wait a minute, this is a building with goods not yet cleared and there is no security
Maybe we should use some of the overstaffed (extra 200) Bahamasair employees to do the security.
The_Oracle 6 years, 10 months ago
Stealing goods or records.........
ThisIsOurs 6 years, 10 months ago
That's the first thing that crossed my mind, BAIC now this
sheeprunner12 6 years, 10 months ago
Another serious leakage of government revenue ........... We need drones to police these sensitive areas ....... Cannot rely solely on humans anymore (too much corruption)
Jetflt 6 years, 10 months ago
You mean to tell me the country's repository for imported goods that drives significant revenue and no alarm system and camera system! Seriously?!?!
Customs Comptroller - you all can't be serious! What do you think this? Kelly's Dock on Bay Street in the 1970's and 80's??
John 6 years, 10 months ago
When the (PLP) government proposed to purchase the old City Market building on East West Highway to use as Customs Warehouse, it was strongly suggested that this not be done for security reasons. Customs Warehouse should be contained within the port itself where there is limited access and the potential for better security. The warehouse at LPIA is a challenge because it is an isolated building that is not really in the confines of the airport and therefore requires its own security staff.
sheeprunner12 6 years, 10 months ago
Agreed ........ This incident should prompt the MOF to investigate the competency of the Comptroller of Customs to protect our country's revenue
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