Three Bahamian men were arrested early yesterday off the coast of New Providence in connection with a $2 million drug bust, Superintendent Samuel Butler reported.
The suspects, ages 42, 39 and 38, were traveling on a 30-foot vessel around 2 a.m. when police intercepted their vessel, said Butler, who heads the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU).
Following a search of the vessel, officers found more than 40 bags stuffed with marijuana, Butler said.
Officers of the DEU, the Police Marine Support Unit and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency carried out the operation.
Butler said the seizure was the result of "strategic patrols".
Police believe the vessel was destined for New Providence. It was unclear where the drugs came from.
Butler said the suspects are expected to be charged within the next week.
Yesterday's seizure was one of dozens the DEU made this year.
Approximately $23 million worth of marijuana and cocaine were seized so far, according to Butler.
Butler said up to the end of July, 10,000 pounds of marijuana were confiscated.
The estimated street value of the marijuana is just over $10 million.
According to police, 900 pounds of cocaine were confiscated. The value is estimated to be $13 million.
In April, two Bahamian pilots and a Canadian man were arrested in connection with a million-dollar drug bust at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).
That same month, officers seized more than $1.2 million worth of marijuana onboard a speedboat in waters near Andros.
Butler said based on the travel routes, DEU officers are able to strategize how to spread resources.
"We recognize that The Bahamas is not a producing country, so we focus on the points where intelligence has led over the years," he said.
"And based on our analysis and strategic planning we are able to come up with where we put our patrol units, our joint units and our [American] partners."

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