The Tribune

A MAN who is suspected of trafficking firearms from the United States to The Bahamas since 2016 was apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Police Force yesterday.

Larry S Burrows was taken into custody as he disembarked his flight in Nassau, a press release from the United States Embassy in Nassau said.

Mr Burrows is a Bahamian citizen who allegedly fled to the United States to avoid apprehension.

In late September 2021, the RBPF Firearms and Gang Unit requested assistance from the US Embassy’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to locate Mr Burrows.

ATF and Homeland Security Investigations representatives from the US Embassy assisted the RBPF in locating the suspect. Mr Burrows was found in Florida and returned to The Bahamas yesterday, where he was arrested upon arrival.

Many of the firearms allegedly trafficked by the suspect are thought to have been used in violent crimes in The Bahamas.

The Bahamas Gun and Gang Unit Assistant Superintendent Alex Pierre thanked his US law enforcement counterparts after the arrest, stating: “This international intelligence-led investigation reinforces our already-strong partnership and serves as an example for the region.”

“The well-coordinated arrest of Mr Burrows is a stellar example of how US-Bahamas bilateral cooperation promotes mutual safety and security.”

ATF International Affairs Division deputy chief Jason Tortorici added: “We expect this to be just one of many successes in our joint efforts to curb illicit firearms trafficking in the region. Our relationship will no doubt continue to be strengthened and thereby provide increased safety for the people of both nations.”