Bahamian boat captain Malcolm Goodman, the business partner of former National Security Minister Marvin Dames, has been sentenced to six years in a Florida prison for drug trafficking.

Goodman was arrested on February 11 after US law enforcement officers seized $4m worth of cocaine during a search of the yacht MV Reel Xperience off Florida.

The vessel was jointly owned by Goodman and Dames. Goodman’s attorney said his client invested $20,000 in the vessel for a 30 percent stake.

Florida Judge Melissa Damian imposed the six-year sentence, below the nine to 11 years recommended by both prosecutors and the defence.