OPBAT SETS STAGE FOR $200 MILLION DRUG BUST

UNCLAS NASSAU 001072

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INL/LP/KEVIN BROWN
JUSTICE FOR OPDAT/ROBERT LIPMAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR BF OPBAT
SUBJECT: OPBAT SETS STAGE FOR $200 MILLION DRUG BUST


1. Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT)
provided vital intelligence and assets to USG drug
enforcement authorities that led to six arrests and
the seizure of 820 kilos of cocaine.


2. On May 25, 2004 OPBAT personnel received human
intelligence of two go-fast boats attempting to
complete a large transshipment of narcotics from The
Bahamas to Florida. Based on the timely
confidential information, Bahamas-based U.S. Coast

SIPDIS
Guard and Homeland Security Department's ICE
authorities established surveillance on the vessels
both with fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.


3. With the support of interceptor boats, USG law
enforcement agents boarded the first go-fast boat.
The second go-fast boat engaged authorities in a
high-speed chase that ended ten miles off Hollywood
Beach, Florida. Five Bahamian nationals and a
Florida resident were subsequently arrested.


4. The two boats transported 820 kilos of cocaine.
ICE officials in Florida reported the seizure of 1
ton of cocaine with a street value of nearly $200
million, making this seizure one of the biggest drug
busts in many years.


5. Comment. Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos
(OPBAT) once again proved to be a crucial player in
the fight against drug trafficking by providing
important intelligence and assets that has resulted
in one of the largest drug bust in the area ever.
End of Comment.


WITAJEWSKI