By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamian man and three Costa Rican nationals are missing and police are seeking the public’s assistance concerning their whereabouts as it is suspected that their disappearance could be linked to illegal human smuggling operations in Grand Bahama.

However, local authorities are unable to confirm this.

Antonio Hensley McNeish, 41, of 168 Tasman Close, and Costa Ricans Edith Alfaro Porras, 40, Eliecer Ruiz Urena, 46, and Rafeal Arturo Garabanzo Cascante, 42, have been missing since April 11.

Grand Bahama’s proximity to the United States makes it a major transit point for illegal drugs and human smuggling operations.

The Tribune visited the residence of McNeish, but no one was there. We spoke to a neighbour who said that “Tony” went on a boat. McNeish, who earns a living as a carpenter/fisherman, is described as being about 5ft 10in, slim, weighing 160lbs with dark brown complexion.

Porras is a long, brown-haired Caucasian woman about 5ft, average build and weighs 160lbs. She speaks Spanish and little English. Urena is described as a bald-headed Caucasian male, about 5ft 10in, muscular build, weighing 170-180lbs. He speaks Spanish and English. Cascante is from Perez, Zeledion, Costa Rica. He is described as a Caucasian man of average build, with brown eyes and short brown hair. He speaks Spanish and little English.

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of these people is asked to contact the police in Grand Bahama at the Central Detective Unit Office at 350-3106-12, 911/919 or the nearest police station.