As first reported on TNN, A Bermuda Police Service investigation has uncovered a major Drug and money laundering ring.
The Bermuda Police Service Narcotics and Financial Crime department made two large raids within the last two weeks in a number of parishes here in Bermuda.
The first of the drugs bust resulting in On Thursday 4th August 2022, The Bermuda Police Service Drugs Unit, assisted by the Serious Crime Department, Financial Crime Unit and Tactical Division, executed 5 search warrants at five residences located in Smiths Parish.
Several packages containing what are suspected to be controlled drugs Cocaine, Heroin, Ecstasy and Cannabis with an estimated street value of $500,000 BDA, were seized, along with cash amounting to more than $25,000.00BDA.
Police also seized two hydroponic systems, designed to grow cannabis indoors, as well as a quantity of high value goods suspected to have been acquired from the proceeds of criminality.
Six persons have been arrested in relation to this operation.
Police, assisted by Animal Wardens, also removed eight illegal dogs from some of the properties that were searched.
Detective Chief Inspector, Sherwin Joseph, of the Specialists Investigations Department stated: “This operation has disrupted the drug trafficking and money laundering activities of a major drug trafficking ring in Bermuda.”
The investigation which is being continued by the BPS Drug Unit is at a critical stage and no further information will be provided at this time.
TNN understand as a result of intelligence gained from the August 4th bust, police executed raids at a number of homes and businesses resulting in further arrests.
It is understood a female Member of Parliament was among those questioned in relation to the second series of raids.
TNN receiving word from a reliable source that following the second series of raids two women and six men were taken into custody.
While the six men and one woman was eventually arrested and bailed on charges of money laundering and financial crimes offences in this second operation, it remains unclear whether the female MP was the woman arrested.
We understand the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency may also be involved in this operation.
TNN has submitted queries to the BPS Media Relations Department a response was provided as stated below.
On Thursday, 11th August 2022, The Bermuda Police Service conducted Operation ALGEDI that saw the simultaneous execution of multiple searches involving over 70 police officers. The BPS Financial Crime Unit, assisted by the Serious Crime Department, Drugs Unit, Tactical Division and the Community Policing Division, executed 18 search warrants across several properties in Bermuda. Following the Proceeds Of Crime Act search warrants, some live ammunition, drugs, believed to be cocaine, and more than $300,000.00 in cash were seized.
A quantity of high value goods believed to be acquired from the proceeds of crime were also seized.
Five persons were arrested in relation to this Operation. No police officer, politician or customs officer was arrested.
Detective Chief Inspector Sherwin Joseph of the Specialists Investigations Department stated:
“Money Laundering and the associated predicate offenses cause significant harm to our community and the financial reputation of Bermuda. The investigation is at a critical juncture, and no further information will be provided at this time”.
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