By KEVA LIGHTBOURNE, Guardian Senior Reporter

kdl@nasguard.com

A drug bust that netted more than $7 million, has marked the "single most significant cash seizure" in the history of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and, by extension, law enforcement in the country.

The weekend find in Grand Bahama also resulted in the confiscation of 105 kilos of cocaine with a street value of $2,000,000; 70 pounds of marijuana valued at $80,000; and an additional $51,000 in counterfeit American currency and 14 high-powered weapons.

Local authorities believe the money, illegal drugs and firearms have "deep international connections."

"I would submit that this case further proves that there is a direct link between money and firearms smuggling. Furthermore, that there are unscrupulous characters among us who are very dangerous to society and must be locked away," said Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson at a press conference held at the Force's East Street headquarters on Wednesday. The conference was attended by agents of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Sometime around 9 a.m. on Sunday past, the Police were alerted to suspicious activities at a storage facility on Grand Bahama. Reportedly, men and women were seen in the area with firearms and bags containing suspected dangerous drugs.

Officers were dispatched to the scene and conducted a search of the area, but no one was found. However, it was discovered that locks to a unit of the storage facility had been broken off, and a search of the building uncovered a number of bags containing the money, drugs and weapons, which included six 7.62 rifles, four 9 mm pistols, three shot guns, and a .38 pistol.

Farquharson said the Force's international counterparts are assisting in the investigation, which has already resulted in a number of arrests with more on the way. These persons, he said, will appear before the court in short order to face formal charges.

"I have directed that a full and extensive investigation be conducted into this matter and to date, I am very pleased with the status of the investigation. No stone will be left unturned until all of the perpetrators are brought to justice," the law chief warned.

It is believed that there is a connection between the seizure and the arrest of two men earlier this week. Reports indicate that the first arrest occurred around 10 a.m. Tuesday onboard the mailboat Fiesta, which was headed to Grand Bahama from the capital. The suspect was found in possession of $55,000 cash in US and Bahamian currency, a .25 Berretta pistol and four live rounds of ammunition.

The second arrest occurred around 7.30 a.m. on Wednesday, as a 53-year-old male resident of Garden Hills disembarked from a motor vessel at Potter's Cay Dock, which had just arrived from Freeport, Grand Bahama. He was found in possession of $14,340 in cash, which comprised of Bahamian and American bills.

The seizure, said the Commissioner, speaks volumes of the commitment and dedication of the RBPF to keeping the country safe. "However, it is also speaks of the reality and dangers that police officers face on a daily basis; the reality of coming face-to-face with dangerous criminals armed with high-powered weapons that have no regard for life. One can only imagine the negative fall-out and bloodshed that could have resulted, had these weapons not been discovered," Farquharson reported.

He said the law must have "more teeth" in it to deal with these major criminals in the interest of peace, safety and the national security of The Bahamas.