News Americas, New York, NY, December 2, 2024: Bahamas Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander has described as “devastating” the arrest of a senior police officer in the United States on charges related to a cocaine-trafficking conspiracy, as well as the possession and use of weapons. Superintendent Elvis Curtis was arrested and charged in US federal court last week, shaking the nation’s confidence in its law enforcement institutions.
In a national address Sunday, Fernander said he was in Florida on Nov. 26 with his family when he learned of Curtis’ arrest. He immediately informed Prime Minister Philip Davis and Homeland Security Minister Wayne Munroe of the situation.
“This moment was not just shocking; it was devastating,” Fernander told Bahamians, acknowledging the severe blow to the integrity of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. “It cuts to the core of the trust that the police are meant to represent.”
The allegations raise new questions
The indictment against Curtis includes allegations of activities beginning in May 2021. It also names Donald Frederick Ferguson II, previously linked to the murder of Geovani Rolle, raising further concerns. Fernander promised a full investigation and announced consultations with former police commissioners and political leaders to address potential oversights during their tenure.
He also stressed the need for cooperation with the US Department of Justice, while urging caution against speculative allegations. “At the moment, no one knows who else might be implicated,” Fernander said, warning against baseless claims that could damage the reputation of the innocent.
The Prime Minister and the Minister of National Security react
Prime Minister Davis, addressing Parliament, pledged decisive action. “This betrayal will not go unanswered,” he said, vowing to hold accountable all those responsible. Homeland Security Minister Wayne Munroe dismissed rumors implicating him, stating categorically that he was not involved in or assisted in wrongdoing.
Handling corruption in law enforcement
Fernander detailed ongoing efforts to restore public trust, including investigations into other allegations involving senior officers and reforms aimed at curbing systemic corruption. He stressed the need for independent civilian oversight and legislative changes to ensure accountability and transparency within the police force.
“We are aware that there is still a lot of work to be done,” Fernander acknowledged, pointing to new initiatives and successful collaborations with international partners such as the US Drug Enforcement Administration. “From today, we will redouble our efforts to stamp out corruption.”
The commissioner emphasized that addressing the culture of corruption requires bold reforms, public support and sustained commitment. “This framework addresses the failures and breaches of trust that have brought us to this point,” he said.
Meanwhile, Caribbean U.S. District Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division’s Bilateral Investigations Unit, the Nassau Office, the Bogota Field Office and the of Panama City, as well as assistance from the Office of International Affairs of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice.
“Allegedly, for years, drug traffickers have smuggled tons of cocaine through the Bahamas with the support and protection of corrupt Bahamian government officials who control airports throughout the country and provide sensitive information about the movements of the Coast Guard. of the US for drug traffickers,” he said. “This indictment is the latest in a series of charges that this Office and the DEA’s Special Operations Division have brought against corrupt government officials around the globe who are partners with dangerous cocaine traffickers. Today’s charges should serve as another powerful wake-up call to corrupt officials everywhere – we will not rest until you are held accountable for your role in the drug trade that is poisoning this country and our community. I commend the career prosecutors of this Office and our partners at the DEA for their tireless efforts to thwart drug-fueled corruption wherever it occurs.”
The case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Bodansky, Nicholas S. Bradley and Juliana N. Murray are leading the prosecution.
If you or someone you know has information about the conduct in this case, please contact the DEA tip line at [email protected].
