The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TWO Bahamian men suspected of illegal human smuggling were intercepted and apprehended, along with 13 migrants, in US waters last week.

According to reports, US Coast Guard officials transported the migrants to Grand Bahama on Friday. The Bahamian men were transported to the US where they are expected to be prosecuted in relation to illegal human smuggling.

On Friday, Bahamas Immigration officials proceeded to Freeport Harbour around 11.30am where the 13 migrants were turned over to their custody by officers of the USCG Crocodile.

The group was intercepted in US waters in an apparent smuggling attempt to enter the United States.

According to initial reports, a 35ft Intrepid with twin 250hp outboard engines with 15 persons on board was intercepted by US officials last Wednesday some eight miles East of Hanover Inlet, Florida.

The vessel - named “It’s A Southern Thing” - had six adult Haitian females, one Haitian female, four adult Haitian males, one Jamaican, and one Colombian on board. Two Bahamian males, ages 56 and 28 years were also discovered on board the boat.

The vessel reportedly left Freeport sometime on Tuesday destined for the US. The Bahamians were kept by US officials for further investigations.

The migrants were processed at Immigration Headquarters and examined by members from the Infectious Disease and Surveillance Unit of the Public Hospital Authority.

• Two New Providence men were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Monday with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Terrell Gregory Williams, 36, of Rustic Road, and Roland Jetson Strachan, 38, of Robinson Road, appeared before Magistrate Debbye Ferguson.

It is alleged that on June 18, at Freeport, the accused men were found in possession of suspected marijuana. They both pleaded not guilty to the charge and elected summary trial.

Williams was granted $3,500 bail and was ordered to sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays.

Strachan was also granted $3,500 bail. He was ordered to sign in at Central Police Station in Freeport on Mondays and Thursdays.