Menu Close

Florida Families Give Up On Abaco After Drug Activity

Five families from Florida who have been sailing down to the Abacois every year since the late 1980’s say they are giving the cays a wide berth in the future because of increased drug activity there.

“There is no way I am bringing my family into that kind of environment,” on ethem told The Tribune yesterday, “It’s just not worth it.”

The boat owner, who gave his name but asked for it to be withheld, cited a prominent Abaco citizen who he claimed was a “known drug trafficker” and said: “if people like this are allowed to get into prominence, what does that say about your country?”

He added: “I thought this kind of foolishness was done away with, but it’s there for all to see. You need to get it under control or you will drive the tourists away.”

The families claim their children have been hassled in the Abaco cays by drug dealers and that hard drugs are being brought into the cays at night.

“We’ve seen these ‘go-fast’ boats down there and they are being used for one purpose only. A group of us have beencoming down there every year for several months at a time since 1989, but we’re going elsewhere form now on.

“It makes no sense to have people like this around. I thought all this had changed.”

The source said the cays – notably Man-O-War Cay and Hope Town – were being “polluted” by the drug traffickers.

From now on we’re missing the Abacos and taking a new route through The Bahamas. We don’t want our kids being around this kind of thing. The things that go on during the night are unbelievable.”

Sources in Abaco confirmed last night that drug trafficking is still a problem on the island. Sandy point was cited as a centre of drug activity.

“Drugs are coming through, there’s no doubt about that,” said one resident, “It’s not even close to the levels of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s but it’s there alright.”

“Unfortunately, Abaco is the perfect place for drug trafficking because it’s only four hours away from Florida by go-fast boat and less than an hour by plane.

“In the old days, practically every family in Marsh Harbour had someone who was connected or knew someone who was connected to the drug business.

“Once that habit gets a hold it’s hard to break.”

Another source said brand new go-fast boats on trailers – costing up to $200,000 a time – were a frequent sight on the island.

An island official said last night: “We’re aware of it and are trying to contain it. Drug trafficking does Abaco no favours and it’s disturbing to hear that tourists are now becoming aware of it.”

In recent years, Abaco has proved one of the most bouyant economies in The Bahamas making a substantial contribution to Treasury funds.

But now five Florida families will not be contributing to the island’s success from now on.

“Enough is enough,” said one boat owner, “they will not be seeing us there again.”


The Tribune

Posted in Headlines

Related Posts