Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police,
The Royal Gazette (28th January 2026) reports that “Drugs worth almost $30 million in an illegal trade that “directly” sustained violent crime on the island’s streets was intercepted last year by police — thanks in large part to community reporting” as quoted by the Commissioner of Police.
Darrin Simons thanked the public for their assistance, which he said had resulted in “major, major seizures, arrests and successful prosecutions”.
The commissioner said the next step would be tackling the profits of these crimes, with joint investigations into money laundering and assets of similar values being seized.
He added: “I want to make it clear that drug trafficking is directly linked to gun and gang crime and targeting drug trafficking also disrupts those persons involved in some of our most violent crime.
“Just as important, this activity prevented these drugs from getting into the community.
“This helps protect our community with the harm directly associated with drug use.”
Mr Simons said that 29 people had been arrested for drug-related offences, with 11 formally charged and five convicted.
Drugs netted ranged from cannabis and cannabis products to cocaine, diamorphine and carfentanil, an opioid similar in structure and function to fentanyl.
Mr Simons said that the presence in Bermuda of carfentanil, stronger than the lethally potent synthetic opioid fentanyl, was “very concerning” and that police were doing everything they could to stem its flow.
Mr Simons said police had seized eight to ten firearms in connection with interceptions, which he credited to intelligence-led policing as well as co-operation with the customs department and the Department of Public Prosecutions.
However, Mr Simons added: “A big part of this is you — our community.
“It’s through your information, your assistance, that we’re able to bring many of those responsible not only for drug importation, but for crime in general, to justice — and for that, I say ‘thank you’.
“It’s been proven time and time again that when we work together, we make Bermuda safer.”
Mr Simons said the interceptions dealt a “substantial blow” to those seeking to profit from organised crime, reflecting “the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our officers”.
He added: “They continue to work tirelessly to disrupt criminal enterprises at all levels.
“Each arrest, each seizure and each conviction represents a step towards a safer community and sends a clear message that the Bermuda Police Service remains relentless in its fight against crime.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith said the seizures took place at ports of entry and through “proactive policing”.
Mr Simons went on to explain that “major importations” of drug had historically been associated with sailing vessels in the first quarter of the year, although he added that seizures took place throughout the year.
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