Calls for Commission of Inquiry Over Allegations Politician Complicit in International Drug Trafficking

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The arrest of Eric Gardiner, who was among 11 survivors of an Election Day plane crash, continues to grab headlines as more is revealed in the case that’s being handled by U.S. authorities.

The newest twist was revealed in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Friday.

The report alleges a Bahamian politician was caught on a wiretap with an undercover U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent in Parliament in 2024 discussing a possible drug deal.

Free National Movement Chairman Dr. Duane Sands is joining a growing list of people demanding answers, calling for a commission of inquiry to be held into the allegations.

The DEA also claims, Gardiner was allegedly moving tons of cocaine through The Bahamas, with the protection of Bahamian government officials and high-ranking politicians.

Sands tells Our news it’s time for the Davis administration to come clean.

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement

“Is the government of The Bahamas in business with a criminal element? Are we contributing to the proceeds of crime with the people of The Bahamas? Our nation’s reputation is at risk, and I think it is very very important for us to get to the bottom of this.”

“Questions were ask back when the indictments were unsealed in the Southern District of New York more than I think 18 months ago, as to whether or not we had corruption in Royal Bahamas Police Force, Defence Force…we have seen officers before the courts.”

So far, the name of that politician has not been released, and as for Gardiner, there have been questions about his involvement with successive governments.

According to those U.S. court documents, Gardiner was president and director of Top Notch Builders in 2017, around the time he signed a government contract.

Sands was asked about Gardiner having a project under the last FNM administration, saying this:

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement

“Possibly both the Christie administration and possibly even the Minnis administration again, this is not about finger-pointing. This is about what is right for the Bahamian people, and if we get another bite of the apple, let’s try and do it properly.”

Meantime, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement Tuesday afternoon, acknowledging the plane crash, and the fact that a Bahamian is in custody.

Also releasing a statement today was MP-elect for West Grand Bahama, Kingsley Smith, who says he’s aware of news stories circulating that reference his name, and that he views the reports as an attempt to force him to argue a negative.