The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN drug smuggler was found hiding in a boat containing 132 pounds of cocaine in waters off Miami, Florida.

The drugs and the Bahamian man were found on Thursday, January 31 under a blanket in the engine room of a 35-foot pleasure craft, according to the US Coast Guard, which reported there was also another suspected smuggler on board.

The westbound boat was found approximately 30 miles east of Haulover Inlet.

“The (Coast Guard Cutter) Paul Clark boarding team discovered a Bahamian national, hidden under a blanket, along with approximately 132 pounds of cocaine in the vessel’s engine room,” the statement read.

“Initial background checks identified that the Bahamian individual has multiple previous narcotics smuggling convictions and an active United States arrest warrant.”

Capt Megan Dean, commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami, said: “This successful interdiction is the result of a diligent boarding team who safely stopped two criminals seeking to bring contraband to the streets of South Florida.

“Our crews continue to maintain a constant presence and work daily with our DHS partner agencies to stop and stem this flow of illicit drugs and human smuggling that threaten our national security.”

The case has been turned over to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).