The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THIRTEEN Brazilians are expected to be charged today in connection with an alleged smuggling ring from Panama.

According to sources, the group arrived in the Bahamas on Copa Airlines under the guise of being tourists at a local hotel, but were later discovered by Immigration officials in Freeport. It is believed they were attempting to be smuggled into South Florida.

Director of Immigration, Jack Thompson confirmed that a number of Brazilians are in custody for alleged “illegal activities”. He said they are expected to be charged today and immigration officials will know more about the alleged ring after those court proceedings.

A representative from Copa Airlines denied any association with a smuggling ring or any illegal activity.

“I have no such information about a smuggling ring involving the airline. Those allegations are not true. We are a tourist-orientated airline with the aim of broadening the Latin market. Like anywhere else there are people who will do or attempt to do illegal things, but the authorities are in place to handle those matters if they arise,” the representative said.

Last week, 37-year-old Sheldon Davis of Fox Hill, was sentenced to four years in prison after he was caught at the Lynden Pindling International Airport with $2 million worth of heroin.

He had just arrived from Panama on Copa Airlines. Davis was caught with two backpacks with nine and a half pounds of suspected heroin.

Copa Airlines began nonstop air service from Panama to Nassau on June 15, 2011. At that time tourism officials projected the new service would bring some 14,500 new visitors to The Bahamas in the first year and generate some 37,000-room nights that will boost hotel revenues by over $7 million in its first year.