By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

HARBOUR patrol officers intercepted a go fast boat carrying more than $100,000 worth of suspected marijuana in waters off Paradise Island this weekend.

Marines were conducting a search and rescue exercise when they noticed the vessel 500 metres off the north eastern section of Cabbage Beach, according to Royal Bahamas Defence Force Lt Origin Deleveaux, who said the boat and the Bahamian man on board looked suspicious.

On Saturday evening, officers uncovered two large coolers filled with 29 bales of suspected marijuana weighing 132 lbs and with an estimated street value of $132,000; they also discovered $2,400 cash.

According to Lt Deleveaux, the man was arrested and turned over to the police, along with contraband, for further investigation into the matter.

Lt Deleveaux said it was the Defence Force’s first ‘major drug bust’ of the year.

Police made two other drug arrests on Saturday.

Shortly after 1pm, Paradise Island police arrested a 24-year-old Bacardi Road man who was found in possession of a small quantity of suspected marijuana and an imitation firearm.

At around 8pm, mobile patrol officers arrested a 32-year-old man who was found in possession of a quantity of a suspected marijuana in the area of Baillou Hill Road and Marshall Road. The man was said to be a resident of Sea Link Avenue, Summer Haven Estates.