Police take part in the operation. Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune staff
POLICE arrested about 30 people during an early morning operation in southwest New Providence yesterday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said.
The operation, which some called “terrifying,” took many area residents by surprise.
Police, representatives from Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) and a tactical unit from the United States’ Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) spread teams and resources across the sky and streets of several communities in the area.
The operation netted scores of suspects who police say are at the centre of a major firearm and drug ring.
During the operation, OPBAT helicopters hovered over homes for nearly two hours, directing search lights to the ground while officers swept through communities acting on intelligence.
Officers were able to recover stolen property, a number of flare guns, shotgun shells and at least two vehicles believed to be stolen in the United States and transported to the Bahamas.
Police said those taken into custody were “targeted” by officers in a wider operation centred on firearms and illicit narcotics.
Police also took several women into custody for questioning in relation to yesterday’s operation.
“What happened here this morning (Monday), it was an intelligence led operation with respect to firearms and drugs,” ACP Fernander said. “As we indicated, there is a number of firearms out there on our streets and getting into the hands of the criminals, resulting in a number of shootings and eventually people are killed.
“And where there is firearms, drugs are not far. There was an area . . . we had zoned in the Allen Drive and some other areas we had targeted and a number of other targets in the general area.”
He continued: “And based on our intel, we were able to arrest between 25 to 30 young men who we want to see for questioning in reference to firearms.”
Admitting the operation was out of the ordinary for local efforts, ACP Fernander did offer an apology to residents who may have been startled by the move, but insisted the operation was in line with what has been promised by Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson.
Reflecting on crime statistics shared earlier this month, ACP Fernander said law enforcement officials are resolute in their goal of ridding communities of the “handful of prolific offenders who continue to offend.”
“The commissioner never indicated when and the timing of this operation, and this is just a series of operations that you and the Bahamian people will see,” ACP Fernander said.
He added Bahamians are fed up with the levels of crime in the country and are applauding the efforts being taken by police.
“Just moving through the southwestern area, there are a number of single parents, especially the females who are walking the strip around three, four o’clock in the morning, and they were so happy to see presence of the police in this general area.
“We want to continue this, and we talking about consistency at the end of the day.
“And this is just some of our resources that we have out this morning, we could go deeper, but this is just some of our resources and we will continue to serve the Bahamian people with integrity to ensure that everybody is safe in our community.”
Comments
jamaicaproud 6 years, 2 months ago
Yah man
SP 6 years, 2 months ago
This is badly needed. If they use the same tactic in raiding shanty towns, they better bring a fleet of bigger buses!
Gotoutintime 6 years, 2 months ago
Why are females "walking the strip" at 3 & 4 in the morning??
BahamasForBahamians 6 years, 2 months ago
Is this a crime or even an issue?
The same happens in lots of cities around the world.
Go to NYC at 4am.
bogart 6 years, 2 months ago
EXCELLENT! The Minister must be commended for putting this extraordinary measure together. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Thank you Bahamas Officers,Turks and Uncle Sam.
Sickened 6 years, 2 months ago
This is good to see.
John 6 years, 2 months ago
I wouldn't be too quick to break out the confetti just yet. Too many variations to the story, even among the same media house. One station is reporting that six persons were taken into custody. Eye witnesses claim police ranshacked homes and arrested persons who happen to live in the area because they were using their camera phones, females included. then to think about what preceded this 'joint' raid.
Porcupine 6 years, 2 months ago
I agree. How did they get their intel? The police in any country are the most corrupt group around. Does anyone not see this? The family and our judicial system have failed us. Getting a few guns off the street does nothing. Looking for a saviour, when we have destroyed a nation will not help us. While I truly hope we can get this crime situation under control, I believe it is a pipe dream to think someone in politics or the police force can make a difference. We need a long term strategy that involves EVERYONE. Until we are willing to step up to the plate, raise better kids, vote for decent people, and accept one law for everyone, nothing can change. Nothing. We make excuses, skirting the real issues, wanting a quick fix. There aren't any quick fixes. The machine has been broken for too long. It needs a complete overhaul. The police state is nearly complete in the U.S. This is fact. It is coming to the shores of this country, and this is but a glimpse of the future. Be careful what you wish for, as the saying goes........................
Sickened 6 years, 2 months ago
I'm not sure what you are suggesting. Get rid of our police and judicial system and have a free for all - like a purge? That could certainly help get rid of a bunch of thugs very quickly. Unfortunately, unless we legitimize fire arms, the criminals will have the upper hand and many innocents will die. Or, perhaps you are suggesting getting rid of bad/unruly kids. This would also certainly help but who will make that decision? You? Can you please be a little more specific on how you would like to solve the crime issue?
Porcupine 6 years, 2 months ago
I tried to be specific. Raise good kids. Uphold the law. Start with those two things alone and crime would start decreasing. If some see this as too general, they've missed the forest for the trees. A gun does not do the killing. People do. When there are no guns, the "savages" use knives, as in today's Tribune. There are no quick fixes. Just do what we're supposed to do. Raise decent kids. Make sure our courts, and law enforcement uphold the law. Nothing magic. If you've only lived in The Bahamas.......there's a big world out there where these suggestions work and people live without constant fear. You won't read about it in the papers, because people don't think it is news.
Sickened 6 years, 2 months ago
Ah! Now I see what you mean. We will no longer allow teenaged single women to have kids and we will automatically abort all births from single mothers without the financials means to care for and raise a child in a normal environment (we'll use a first world standard - not our Bahamian standard). I like it! Once we get that passed in the house and senate then we can start dealing with removing troubled teens from broken homes.
sheeprunner12 6 years, 2 months ago
Bahamian social media will not allow these operations to be successful ...... except the Police bug the main culprits cellphones....... Bahamians cover up for criminals too much.
Schemer18 6 years, 2 months ago
An excellent crime fighting strategy COP Clayton Fernander, & I am seeing results taking our country back from the hands of career criminals.
John 6 years, 2 months ago
Some people light fires them come pretend to help the firemen put them out, but only to ensure that the damage they intended was done...he that have ears, let him hear
bogart 6 years, 2 months ago
Agree with you Sheeprunner....Bahamians cover up for criminals too much..... Everyone is related or connected...... The DNA did come out and blamed persons who intervene when persons are arrested.
Socrates 6 years, 2 months ago
as long as reliable intel comes in and if the DEA can supply info., then raid man, raid. this town needs some shaking up and the bandits need to know that justice can come from any direction and at any time..
PastorTroy 6 years, 2 months ago
For Those Who Need To Read It Again: John - "Some people light fires them come pretend to help the firemen put them out, but only to ensure that the damage they intended was done...he that have ears, let him hear"
licks2 6 years, 2 months ago
The whole nation is in a "child birth" of sorts. . .the police are "taking the war to the bad boys them" . . .the results are already seen on the streets. . .ween joking with them anymore. . .us citizens must watch and make sure that the police don't get "out of they pants". . .but to support their efforts to stop this senseless blood letting carried out by our criminal elements. . .on the streets or in some office. . .enough is enough!
hrysippus 6 years, 2 months ago
Helicopters from the USA, . ... ... ..... Searchlights turning night to day. .............. .............. ..... Wanted suspects on the run, . .. ... ... Find OPBAT people ain't no fun, . .. .. .... If you got stolen car in your backyard, .. .. .... ... Low rider pit-bull standing guard, .............. ... ... ..... And your weed is stashed in the bush outside, ................. ....... And That H & K hid deep in your ride, ... .. . ...... Those officers are going to find, ............... .. .... ... Those shotgun shells that slipped your mind, .. ... ...... They were hid behind the toilet tank, ........... .... ....
And you only kept them for a prank. ... ... .. .... .. And now you waiting in the cell,. .. ... .. .. Awaiting transfer to FoxHell. .. ... ... .. And all is thanks to our American friends, .. ... ... Is this the start of some new trends ? . ... ... ... Foreign expediency a means to the ends?
licks2 6 years, 2 months ago
HERE WE GO AGAIN WITH THE "BROKE FOOT ANDROS YARD CHICKEN". . .one broke foot yard chicken from Andros for sale in a store in New Providence does not means that if you buy a chicken from Andros you are likely to buy a broke foot one (each case is its own validity). . .think man. . .take off ya political hat for just a little while. . .it feels so good to do so!
hrysippus 6 years, 2 months ago
EVEN WHEN I WRITE MY POST IN CAPS, ... .. IT STILL IS SOUND LIKE PUPPY YAPS. .. POLITICS GROWS OUT OF A BARREL. AND EMPTY BARRELS HOLD THE MOST TOYS.
CatIslandBoy 6 years, 2 months ago
The "broke foot Andros yard chicken" example is a little lame. Let's have a grown-up conversation. Or, is that too post-kindergarten?
Sickened 6 years, 2 months ago
I bet you if the police gave notice of a pending raid in one of these 'gang' neighborhoods and warned all good, caring and innocent people to please not be in your homes between such and such a time, that the people will not take heed and then complain that they are innocent/wrongfully arrested/police planted the guns/drugs/stolen cars and that the police had no right to do what they did. Face it, we have many, many stupid, ignorant people that will always cry out when they or their family members are caught and these people will not change. The dumb are too stupid to know that they are dumb. I warn you all right now... if Minnis (a truly caring man) cannot get this crime under control under his reign, then the next man in charge will be the EXACT opposite in nature (a Putin type character) and we will ALL very much regret that iron fist coming down on us!
John 6 years, 2 months ago
ROGUE policing does not work. And if you wake an entire community at 5 am on a covert law enforcement exercise. the least,the police can do is show some respect and dignity. Not treat the entire community as criminals. We are actually getting back to the 1980's and '90's where young men are being dragged out of their homes and their vehicles, beaten and locked up and beaten some more and then released or charged with trumped up or petty charges depending on their attitude or frame mind after their excursion with the police. Then these persons must return home and smile it off. But not. They become angry and anti-social and eventually criminals and gang members. The problems we are facing now an a result of what was done in years prior. How long now before persons start dying in holding cells and police stations again? So let's wait and see how many of the 30 arrested will actually be charged with serious crimes.
DDK 6 years, 2 months ago
Let's just hope the U.S. "policemans" do not act here as they do in their country and elsewhere around the world...........
birdiestrachan 6 years, 2 months ago
Did they go into the Shanty Towns?
TheMadHatter 6 years, 2 months ago
No. They did not. They were unable to get permission from the U.N.
Sickened 6 years, 2 months ago
Everyone wants to get rid of crime but for some reason so few of us want the police to arrest anyone! I'm getting the feeling that even if God did smite the ilk of our society, our Christian brothers would still complain that the treatment is too harsh! Grow up people and stop crying! Society has protected these criminals for too long. This cancer needs to be cut out and some of the surrounding flesh will be lost. If you see the police coming... GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!
sheeprunner12 6 years, 2 months ago
Those 30 arrested will be charged and tried ........ before those in Perry's Cabinet .......... Justice????????
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