The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Myles Laroda says officials are concerned about a rocket-propelled grenade launcher found hidden beneath an abandoned stove off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway last week.

Mr Laroda said the weapon could cause serious damage, adding that officials hoped its discovery was an isolated incident.However, the discovery has prompted further investigation into how criminal weapons are being smuggled into the country.

Asked how the military weapon entered the country, Mr Laroda declined to comment on the specifics but said the Commissioner of Police was taking the matter seriously.

Police said officers from Operation Black Scorpion, assisted by the Anti-Terrorism Unit and Canine Support Unit, were acting on information when they searched an area on the southern side of Pride Estates.

Beneath the stove, officers found a green camouflage bag containing the launcher.

The Tribune understands that its markings and telescoping tube suggest it is a light anti-tank weapon, sometimes called a light anti-armour weapon.

It is believed to be a United States-designed, single-use launcher that fires a 66mm unguided rocket with a high-explosive anti-tank warhead designed to disable armoured vehicles and fortified positions at short range.

Such weapons entered service with the US military in the early 1960s and were used during the Vietnam War.

They have since been carried by armed forces around the world, including those in Canada, Australia, Israel and Taiwan.

Discoveries of military-grade explosive weapons in The Bahamas are rare.

The discovery comes amid a separate incident involving a trainee correctional officer who was found with marijuana hidden inside his work boots when he reported for duty at the prison last week. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered additional packages of marijuana.

The 23-year-old officer reportedly pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and possession of dangerous drugs at his arraignment. He was fined $4,500.

Mr Laroda said this was not the first time an officer had been arrested, adding that he was aware of several other cases.

He applauded officers who, despite having personal relationships with their colleagues, still held them accountable for their actions.