A serious allegation of evidence fabrication has emerged against Bahamian drug enforcement officers following a controversial midnight raid in Carmichael. A family member of the arrested individuals has presented video evidence to The Tribune that allegedly shows police officers planting narcotics on the property.
The incident involves a household consisting of a mother, her two adult sons, and one son’s girlfriend. According to the relative, who requested anonymity, DEU officers conducted the operation around midnight Wednesday, initially detaining the two sons before arresting the mother and girlfriend the following morning.
The relative reported that motion-activated security cameras installed on the property captured footage showing officers apparently placing drugs near a vehicle tire during the search. The video, reviewed by The Tribune, shows multiple officers searching the yard with flashlights before one officer is seen dropping a small bag onto the ground. Audio from the recording allegedly includes instructions to ‘plant it good.’
After discovering the footage, the relative retained legal counsel and confronted DEU officials with the evidence. The lawyer reportedly expressed astonishment upon viewing the video. Despite demands for immediate release of the family based on this evidence, authorities maintained the arrests.
The relative attempted to escalate the matter to Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander but was informed that senior officials were unavailable due to promotion-related meetings. Police officials reportedly stated that formal complaints could not be filed while the family remained in custody.
The Bahamas Royal Police Force press liaison officer has acknowledged the inquiry but indicated that an official response would be provided today. The family member described the situation as both stressful and perplexing, noting they could discern no apparent motive for the alleged evidence planting.
The case has raised serious questions about police procedures and evidence handling in drug enforcement operations, with potential implications for police accountability and judicial integrity in The Bahamas.