“Concerned” Over Military-Grade Weapon Found, Attempted Prison Smuggling

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The discovery of a rocket-propelled grenade launcher in bushes off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway Tuesday evening came as a shock to many.

Officers assigned to Operation Black Scorpion, along with officers from the Anti-Terrorism Unit and Canine Support Unit, went to a bushy area on the southern side of Pride Estates.

There, they searched an abandoned stove and discovered a green camouflage bag containing the weapon.

We asked National Security Minister Myles Laroda about concerns over sophisticated weapons now being found in the country.

Myles Laroda – Minister of National Security

“Let us not get carried away into the modernization, and I would leave it as that. It could do damage. We are concerned that this type of weaponry is here. We hope that this is a one-off, but we have to be prepared. Now that we have found one of these devices, we have to look even deeper. It raises a concern about criminal elements.”

But that wasn’t the only major discovery authorities made this week.

A trainee correctional officer was arrested after suspected hydroponic marijuana was allegedly discovered concealed in his work boots at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The trainee was undergoing a routine security scan at the Security Processing Centre before reporting for duty when abnormalities were detected.

Officers also noticed a strong odour of suspected marijuana.

Police say a search of the trainee’s vehicle allegedly uncovered a red cloth bag containing another grey-taped package, which police said was identical to those found in his boots.

He later pleaded guilty to drug possession with intent to supply.

Myles Laroda – Minister of National Security

“Sometimes we focus on the negative and the individuals who are bringing drugs and contraband into the prison. We don’t give enough credit to those prison officers who, notwithstanding that they may have personal relationships with these individuals, are still prepared to do the right thing.”

Myles Laroda – Minister of National Security

“Private citizens should be commended. The police can’t do it alone. The government can’t do it alone.”