Contraband Seized, Suspects Arrested
Mon, 2023-04-24
On Wednesday 19th April 2023, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS), Drugs Unit, assisted by the Financial Crime Unit, Criminal Investigation Unit and the Tactical Division, intercepted two vehicles, in which persons who had just left the Executive Jet Facility at the L.F. Wade International Airport were travelling. A subsequent search of the individuals and their luggage, led to the recovery of a significant quantity of the controlled drug, cannabis.
The drugs seized carry an estimated street value of over $14 million BDA.
The seizure was part of an operation dubbed, “Operation FURUD” and also resulted in the arrest of nine suspects, one of whom is a Senior Customs Officer. As part of the operation, warrants were executed at a number of residences in Pembroke, Hamilton parish, Warwick and Southampton.
Acting Detective Superintendent, Sherwin Joseph, the officer in charge of Crime Division stated: “This seizure, has led to the dismantling of a major drug trafficking ring and left Bermuda a much safer place. The BPS is well aware that efforts such as this, aimed at trafficking drugs into the island, often involve the illegal importation of firearms and other contraband. We will continue to work with our partners at our ports of entry, to strengthen existing security controls, and protect our community.”
No further information will be provided at this time. The BPS Drugs Unit continues investigations into this incident.
Read MoreSerious Collision on North Shore Road in Devonshire
Mon, 2023-04-24
Around 9:25 p.m. on Sunday, April 23rd, 2023, police and emergency medical services staff were dispatched to a serious two vehicle collision on the North Shore Road near the junction with Loyal Hill in Devonshire.
Indications are a motorcar was exiting a driveway onto the west bound lane of North Shore Road, when it was struck by a motorcycle traveling west.
The male motorcycle rider was attended to at the scene by EMTs and was subsequently transported by ambulance to hospital for what were described as life threatening injuries.
At last check he was listed in critical condition in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
Neither the female motorcar driver nor the other two occupants of the vehicle were injured.
North Shore Road was closed off between Northridge Crescent and Loyal Hill for approximately three hours while the collision scene was processed.
Traffic headed east was initially diverted onto the Railway Trail at Northridge Crescent, with westbound traffic diverted onto the railway trail at Loyal Hill.
The diversions were then shifted to eastbound traffic being directed over Barker’s Hill at the roundabout with Palmetto Road, Devonshire, to Middle Road and westbound traffic being diverted over Store Hill, Smith’s, onto Middle Road.
An investigation into this collision has now begun and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Constable Jennifer Suter via e-mail, jsuter@bps.bm.
Collision on Somerset Bridge
Sun, 2023-04-23
Around 4:15pm on Sunday 23 April 2023, police and and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a three vehicle collision on Somerset Bridge.
Initial reports suggest that a a female riding a motorcycle was overtaking a line of traffic headed west, when she collided with a taxi and a van traveling in the opposite direction.
Both the rider and her female pillion passenger were reported to be injured. Injuries sustained are not believed to be serious, however both women were transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Traffic was disrupted in the Somerset Bridge area for approximately 30 minutes while the scene was processed.
Historical Murder Witness Appeal: Erin Lee Richardson
Sun, 2023-04-23
Nine years have passed since the murder of Erin Lee Richardson.
Mr. Richardson was shot multiple times outside his residence at 16 Riviera Crescent, Southampton, around 10:45pm on Wednesday 23rd April 2014. He attempted to escape his attackers by running inside his residence, but was unable to do so.
Police officers and EMTs attended the scene and administered first-aid to Mr. Richardson who was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
The Bermuda Police Service is once again appealing to members of the public who may have any information on this matter, to please come forward and provide that information to us. Please help us provide closure to Mr. Richardson’s family and to bring those responsible for his death to justice.
We remain extremely keen to speak with anyone who may have seen two males on a motorcycle leave Riviera Road in Southampton around the time of the shooting. The persons on the bike wore dark clothing, and the motorcycle had a quiet running engine.
Acting Inspector, Dean Martin of the Serious Crime Unit said: “Mr. Richardson had the rest of his life to look forward to and left behind many family members to grieve his loss.
Were it your loved one so senselessly killed, you would want those with information to come forward and assist the police with their investigation. We are asking the same for Mr. Richardson’s loved ones.”
Anyone with knowledge of this incident or, who can provide information that can assist in identifying and bringing the offender or offenders to justice, is asked to contact Acting Detective Inspector Martin on phone number, 717-2074 or, via e-mail – dmartin@bps.bm.
You may also share the information by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477.
Alternatively, if you’re more comfortable doing so, share the information with a police officer whom you know.
Inquiries Underway After Attempted Burglary at Cycle Care
Thu, 2023-04-20
Detectives are currently conducting inquiries into an attempted burglary at Cycle Care on Serpentine Road, Pembroke.
It appears that around 3:50am Thursday, 20th April 2023 three unknown men approached the premises, with one of the men using a blunt object to strike a store window several times, damaging it.
Despite the damage caused to the store window, no entry was gained, nothing was stolen and the three suspects fled the area.
The noise of the Cycle Care store window being struck was initially described as gunshots by the caller that made the report.
However, on police arrival a few minutes later, an examination of the scene confirmed that there was no evidence to substantiate the use of a firearm in this incident.
The suspects are described as three men wearing dark coloured helmets with visors and dark coloured clothing.
Detectives have already received some relevant information and will review any available CCTV footage, but are still interested in speaking with anyone that may have seen men on motorcycles in the area of Canal Road, just before or after 3:50am Thursday.
Any additional persons with information that can assist, no matter how insignificant it may seem, are encouraged to call the Criminal Investigations Department on 247-1744 at the earliest opportunity.
Alternatively, members of the public can share any information they may have with a police officer they know, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential hotline 800-8477, or visiting www.crimestoppers.bm.
Locksley Cummings Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Abuse
Tue, 2023-04-18
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sean Field-Lament – “The Bermuda Police Service notes the historic sentence handed down to Mr. Locksley Cummings in the Supreme Court.
The circumstances which led to these convictions were despicable and heinous. They involved the betrayal by a person of trust to young vulnerable victims. The 35 year sentence sends an unequivocal message that offences of this nature have no place in our society and will have significant consequences.
Hopefully it will serve as a strong deterrent.
Most importantly, I hope it brings some form of closure and comfort to the victims and family involved in this tragedy and that their healing process can continue, confident in the fact that they will not now have to encounter this individual.
I wish to publicly acknowledge their courage in coming forward to bring this situation to the attention of the police.
These cases are extremely emotive and require the highest professional standards to investigate and ultimately prosecute. I recognise the tremendous work done by the detectives of the Vulnerable Persons Unit and the Department of Public Prosecutions team in bringing this perpetrator to justice.
Their hard work and dedication demonstrates our steadfast resolve to protect the most vulnerable in our society.”
Concern After Recent Uptick in Motorcyclists Failing to Stop for Police
Mon, 2023-04-17
Over the past week the Bermuda Police Service has seen an uptick in persons on motorcycles failing to stop, evading police and travelling at excessive speeds. There were three such incidents on Thursday evening alone. These incidents which are dangerous to all involved, are of great concern. Subjects later arrested in relation to these matters will appear before the courts in due time.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes said: “Individuals fleeing from police by driving at high rates of speed, pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of not only those involved in the situation, but also to other motorists as well as members of the public. “
Police officers are trained to ensure their response to drivers who choose to flee is appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk posed and safety of the officers themselves and other road users is always a priority.
This means officers will at times, end a pursuit if it is determined poses that level of risk that is out of proportion to the offences committed.
The public is reminded that under the Road Traffic Act 1947, the driver of a vehicle on any road shall, when requested to do so by a police officer or when a police officer signals to him to do so, immediately bring the vehicle to a stop and keep it stationary until the police officer permits him to proceed.
A police officer may give a signal to stop a vehicle by raising his hand or by waving from side to side a red light. Any person who fails to comply with any such request or signal commits an offence against this Act.
Inquiries Underway Regarding Single Vehicle Damage Only Collision
Fri, 2023-04-14
Police are investigating the circumstances involved in a single vehicle, damage only collision, which occurred on the North Shore Road near the entrance to the Shelly Bay Market Place shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 14th, 2023.
The vehicle was headed east when the female driver reportedly lost control and struck a wall resulting in the vehicle flipping onto its right side blocking the east bound lane.
There were no reported injuries, however the motorcar was left with extensive damage.
Traffic was reduced to one lane headed west while traffic headed east was diverted along Radnor Road.
The vehicle has since been removed and the road reopened to regular traffic flow.
Recent Student Altercations at City of Hamilton Bus Terminal
Fri, 2023-04-14
Around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 13th, 2023, police received a report of students involved in an altercation at the Bus Terminal in the City of Hamilton. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the number 9 bus where they were alerted to two female Middle School students, who were then escorted off of the bus.
The two students were informed they would be taken to Hamilton Police Station and their parents contacted. Upon being told this, they became belligerent toward the officers and attempted to leave the scene. They were prevented from doing so by the officers who were then confronted by other students and members of the public.
The two female students were then transported to Hamilton Police Station to avoid any further escalation. They were both spoken to and subsequently released into the care of their parents.
One of the students was found to be in possession of a canister containing pepper spray. The item was seized.
Inquiries into this matter are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Acting Sergeant Richard Marriott on 717-2432 or, via email – rmarriott@bps.bm.
Elsewhere, the BPS is aware of a number of video clips being circulated on social media, showing students involved altercations at the Hamilton Bus Terminal. We ask that should you receive these video clips, you do not share them on, instead, please delete them from your device.
Stolen Goods Advisory
Fri, 2023-04-14
The Bermuda Police Service Crime Unit is conducting investigations into a number of recent burglaries and thefts from several establishments across the island with numerous electronic devices, namely Apple brand products, including iPhones, AirPods, iPads and MacBook laptops having been stolen.
Some of these items have then been advertised for sale at significantly reduced prices online, via various social media platforms.
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), wishes to advise the public to exercise caution when considering purchasing brand name electronics advertised locally, at prices below their true value, as you may be purchasing an item linked to these breaks-ins or thefts.
As always, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
We urge that you adopt the following measures to protect against purchasing stolen items:
Do not transfer funds to a seller’s account without physically seeing the item
Request to see the serial number of the item, note that information and make inquiries
Make a note of the media platform and the account holders information (name & telephone, etc.)
Never meet seller in secluded or suspicious area to conduct any transactions
Should you have any suspicions or concerns about the sale, the item being sold or, the individual selling the item, please report these to the police BEFORE, you complete the transaction.
Do not allow yourself to become a victim of financial crime.
You should also be aware that under the Criminal Code Act 1907, “A person guilty of handling stolen goods shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 or to imprisonment for five years or both; and on conviction on indictment, to a fine of $150,000 or imprisonment for fourteen years, or both.” you know.
