US Charge#65533; d’Affaires John Dinkelman and US Embassy’s narcotics affairs officer David Jea visited Grand Bahama to present the Marine Services Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force with three new Mercury Verado engines for marine interceptor speedboat to assist critical anti-drug smuggling efforts in the northern Bahamas.

Mr Dinkelman and Police Superintendent Melvin Lundy participated in the ceremony to mark the official handover.

Embassy officials emphasised the ongoing US support of the RBPF, and Mr Dinkelman said the ceremony was a clear indication of the dedication and co-operation of both governments to improving crime fighting efforts.

Supt Lundy thanked the US Embassy for the donation on behalf of Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, adding that the new engines will enhance the RBPF’s capacity to gather law enforcement information, conduct investigations, and interdict illicit traffickers operating in the northern Bahamas.

The donation, valued at more than $80,000, was made possible by funding from the Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.