Operation Crux: Two Arrested Regarding Illegally Sold Pharmaceuticals
Fri, 2021-11-19
Police today conducted a joint operation dubbed, “Operation CRUX”.
The exercise included members of the police Drugs Unit, Police Support Unit, and Pharmacy Inspectors attached to the Ministry of Health.
Two persons have been arrested and a quantity of “APETAMIN”, in both liquid and tablet form was seized after police executed search warrants at two business places in the City of Hamilton. Several products containing CBD were also seized.
APETAMIN contains Cyproheptadine, which is banned in several countries, and has numerous harmful side effects, including dizziness, tremors, blurred vision and liver failure.
Detective Chief Inspector, Sherwin Joseph, of the Specialist Investigation Department stated “Cyproheptadine is listed in Schedule 3, and Part II of Schedule 4 of the Pharmacy and Poisons and Act 1979. It can only be sold or be kept for sale, by a licensed pharmacist. Business owners should make themselves very familiar with the contents of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979, which is designed to protect the health and well-being of the public. They can also consult with the Pharmacy Inspector’s office, to ensure that their business operations are in compliance with the act.
Mr. Joseph commended Detective Inspector (Ag), Nidol Barker and his Drug Unit, for their work in conjunction with the Pharmacy Inspectors, to prevent uncontrolled access to these items which pose a serious health risk to individuals.
No further information on the investigation will be provided at this time.
Read MoreSixteenth Road Fatality for 2021: Albert Simmons
Tue, 2021-11-16
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 64-year-old Albert Simmons – Bermuda’s 16th road fatality for 2021 – and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Simmons, understood to be a Warwick resident, was seriously hurt when the motorcycle he was riding east along Middle Road, Southampton crashed into a wall near the junction with Lighthouse Road around 6pm Sunday, 14th November.
The crash caused Mr. Simmons to be thrown from the motorcycle into Jew’s Bay. He was pulled from the water by members of the public who then began CPR until the arrival of EMTs, who continued performing CPR at the scene.
However, despite these lifesaving efforts, which continued as Mr. Simmons was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, sadly the 64-year-old later succumbed to his injuries. A BPS Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to help support Mr. Simmons’ family at this difficult time.
The investigation continues regarding the circumstances of this latest fatal crash and the cooperation of those witnesses who have already come forward is greatly appreciated.
Any other witnesses that have not yet come forward – or members of the public with relevant information – are encouraged to call Constable Garwin Phillips on 211 or e-mail gphillips2@bps.bm at the earliest opportunity.
Investigation Underway After Intruders Enter St. George's Home
Tue, 2021-11-16
Shortly after 9:00 p.m. on Monday 15th November, 2021, police responded to reports of a disturbance at a residence on Queen Street in St. George.
Upon arrival officers were informed an elderly female, who was home alone, was confronted by three males dressed in black and wearing facemasks.
The suspects reportedly forced their way inside the premises and demanded cash and valuables.
Upon hearing the commotion, neighbours came to the assistance of the elderly female.
The suspects escaped east along nearby Chapel Lane. It is believed they left the area in a waiting car.
Two of the suspects, one of whom wore white gloves, are described as slim built and approximately 6’ tall.
The third suspect was said to be medium built and approximately 5’ 5” tall.
The elderly victim was transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after she complained of pain to her upper body.
The suspects fled the scene empty handed.
An investigation into this matter has now commenced and anyone with information is asked to call Detective Chief Inspector, Sherwin Joseph, on 295-0011 or 211. You may also call 800-8477 the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number.
Smith's Parish Domestic Incident Murder Victim Identified as Morissa Moniz
Sun, 2021-11-14
The Bermuda Police Service can now reveal the identity of the 28-year-old woman whose lifeless body was found at a Smith’s Parish residence in the early
morning hours of Thursday 11th November, 2021, as Morissa Moniz (pictured right).
Miss Moniz was found in an unresponsive state after police responded to a reported domestic incident. She was later pronounced dead at the scene by an on-call physician.
The investigation into this matter remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith on 717-0864.
Alternatively, you may call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or, Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.
Sixteenth Road Traffic Fatality for 2021
Sun, 2021-11-14
Shortly before 6:00 p.m. today, Sunday 14th November, 2021, police and other first responders attended a serious single vehicle road traffic collision at the junction of Middle Road and Lighthouse Road, Southampton.
Reports are a male motorcyclist was proceeding east on Middle Road, when he collided with a wall, was thrown from the bike and landed in the waters at Jew’s Bay, adjacent to the Waterlot Inn.
The victim was reportedly pulled from the water by members of the public who began CPR until the arrival of EMTs who continued performing CPR, and transported him via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
Sadly, this marks the island’s 16th road fatality for this year.
The roadway was cordoned off and traffic diverted away from the area as the scene of the collision was forensically processed. The roads were re-opened around 8:30 p.m.
Anyone with information on the incident, is asked to call 295-0011.
Smith's Parish Murder Investigation Update: 37-Year-Old Man Arrested
Fri, 2021-11-12
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), can confirm the arrest of a 37-year-old male suspect, who has been assisting with the investigation into the sudden death of a 28-year-old woman, whose lifeless body was found at a Smith’s Parish residence, following a reported domestic dispute during the early morning hours of Thursday 11th November, 2021.
Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith, the officer in charge of the investigation is urging anyone with information on this incident to please contact him on 717-0864.
Alternatively, you may call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or, Crime Stoppers, on 800-8477.
It is anticipated the suspect will be appearing before the courts early next week.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer has been provided to assist relatives of the deceased during this difficult period.
The Bermuda Police Service extends its condolences to the family of the deceased.
No further information will be provided on this matter at this time.
Update: Sunday, 14th November - Smith's parish domestic incident murder victim identified.
Public Advisory: BPS Training Exercise Underway
Fri, 2021-11-12
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is advising the public that a police training exercise is currently taking place today (Friday, 12th November) at Police Headquarters in Prospect, Devonshire.
The training started at 9:15am and is scheduled to finish by 4pm.
There may be loud noises during this time, which should only last for around 20 minutes.
Relevant signage will be in place during this BPS training exercise and we thank the public in advance for their understanding.
Investigation Underway After 28-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Smith's Parish
Thu, 2021-11-11
Police are investigating the sudden death of a 28-year-old woman whose lifeless body was found at a Smith’s Parish residence shortly after 2:45 this morning.
Police attended the residence in response to reports of a domestic incident and found the woman’s body with suspected multiple stab wounds.
A 37-year-old unresponsive male found at the scene, was transported via ambulance to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was attended to for injuries to his hands.
He is now assisting police with their investigation into this incident.
The scene has been forensically processed and death was certified by an on-call physician.
Police are appealing for anyone who has any information on this incident, to please call 211 or the main police number, 295-0011.
Update: Friday, 12th November - 37-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of 28-year-old woman.
Acting Commissioner Responds to Social Justice Bermuda
Wed, 2021-11-10
Acting Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons - "I acknowledge and appreciate the views of Social Justice Bermuda, as expressed in their Monday, 8th November 2021 public statement. This is an unacceptable situation in which a police officer admitted to engaging in activity that caused significant concern to a family and the community.
We all agree that this should not have happened and there should be a consequence. However, there is a prescribed process that must be followed and all the facts must be considered so that the appropriate determination is made.
I seek the public’s patience to allow due process to occur, as we work to resolve this matter.
In order to solve crimes and generally help make Bermuda safer, the longstanding partnership between the police and the community is vital. Therefore, I welcome comments from organisations such as Social Justice Bermuda. All community views have value, particularly those that express dissatisfaction. They give us pause and provide an opportunity for reflection and growth.
Unfortunately, the 8th November public statement by Social Justice Bermuda also contained some inaccurate remarks. I wish to state that it was established that a police officer did not share the untimely passing of a prominent member of our community before the next of kin were made aware. In fact, it was confirmed that this error in judgement was made by someone who was in no way linked to the Bermuda Police Service.
Also, an investigation into publicising personal information and documents related to that public figure, confirmed that it only occurred after the Bermuda Police Service had returned those documents.
The independent Police Complaints Authority reviewed the findings of that investigation.
Separately, a report on the events of 2nd December 2016 was prepared by an independent authority and made public shortly after. That report has led to changes in how we deal with public order incidents.
In addition, the recent handling of a matter involving an officer's social media post was dealt with before the courts and reported on by the local news media. That officer is no longer a member of the Bermuda Police Service.
I have previously shared that delays in providing crime statistics result from staffing reallocations that prioritise police response to crime over the statistics. Notwithstanding this, I wholeheartedly acknowledged the criticism regarding the tardiness in producing these figures at a recent press conference, where delayed crime statistics from 2018 and 2019 were released. I stress, however, ensuring public safety will always remain the top priority of the Bermuda Police Service.
To be clear, we remain focused on this most recent situation. I again apologise to the families and those impacted by what transpired.
Even when we don't get it right, I remain confident that the women and men of the Bermuda Police Service know all too well the value of the community's trust and support and are saddened when we fall short of those expectations."
Acting Commissioner Confirms Police Officer Shared Fatal Collision CCTV
Fri, 2021-11-05
The Bermuda Police Service can confirm that one of our officers inappropriately shared a video of the most recent fatal road traffic collision.
Mr. Darrin Simons Acting Commissioner of Police said, “After the officer noticed that the video was being shared widely within the community, he immediately came forward, took responsibility for his actions and apologised.
This avoided what may have been a lengthy investigation into what transpired.
The matter is now under disciplinary review by the Professional Standards Department to determine the suitable outcome.”
Mr. Simons continued, “I am deeply troubled that we have let the community down by this action. We exist to make Bermuda safe and causing distress or harm like this is simply unacceptable. I unreservedly apologise to family and friends of the deceased, to the staff at the gas station who may have been scrutinised, and the community as a whole for the impact this has caused. We can and will do better.”
