NEW YORK — Thirteen individuals, including high-ranking officials in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), have been charged with conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced Thursday.
The indictment alleges that drug traffickers smuggled tons of cocaine through The Bahamas with the aid of corrupt Bahamian officials, including RBPF Chief Superintendent Elvis Nathaniel Curtis and RBDF Chief Petty Officer Darrin Alexander Roker. Both were arrested in Florida earlier this week, while others were apprehended overseas.
The scheme allegedly involved bribes to secure safe passage for cocaine shipments via Bahamian airports and maritime routes. Prosecutors allege that Curtis supervised cocaine-laden flights arriving at Bahamian airports, including Lynden Pindling International Airport, and facilitated drug trafficking operations with armed RBPF officers. Curtis reportedly accepted $10,000 in bribes for an anticipated 600-kilogram cocaine shipment and discussed a $2 million bribe to secure further government cooperation.
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram called the arrests a stark example of corruption undermining public safety. “By abusing their positions to accept bribes, protect traffickers, and facilitate drug shipments, these individuals jeopardized countless lives for personal gain,” she said.
The indictment further alleges that officials provided traffickers with sensitive information about U.S. Coast Guard operations, hampering law enforcement efforts in the region. Prosecutors also highlighted the use of private charter flights and go-fast boats to smuggle cocaine from South and Central America through The Bahamas and into the United States.
All defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life imprisonment for conspiracy to import cocaine, as well as additional weapons charges.