2010: Drug Seizures of $29.5 Million
The recently released 2010 Crime Statistics shows that in 2010 almost $30 million worth of drugs were seized, with cannabis making up the bulk of that amount.
The 520kg [1,146lbs] of cannabis or cannabis resin accounted for 98% of drugs seized by weight and 90% of the value of drugs seized in 2010, with the report saying this indicates “that it is the drug of choice for many in Bermuda.”
The vast majority of cannabis/cannabis resin was intercepted overseas and so did not make it to Bermuda’s ports. The report states this was primarily due to the seizure of 318kg [700lbs] from a sailing vessel heading for Bermuda as well as two U.S. airport seizures where 80kg [165lbs] was found in luggage destined for Bermuda.
The chart showing 2010′s drug seizures by location, weight and street value is below, click to enlarge:
Cocaine was the second largest type of drug seized in 2010 with 10kg seized and unlike cannabis or cannabis resin, most of this was seized at Bermuda’s ports (including courier companies). In addition, 106 cannabis plants, 24 ecstasy tablets, and 930 grams of heroin were seized in 2010.
In comparison to 2009, there has been a significant increase in the value of drugs seized, chart shown below:
And then please note the significant increase in gang / gun related crime, robberies etc. Making Bermuda an unsafer place one step at a time, inflating the street price one step at a time and giving the youth more reason to risk their lives to make $$$$$$$ one step at a time. It is simple cause and affect, but we think we are making the world safer by keeping something illegal and inflating the gangsters economy. Look at the price of oil, the less there is the more it costs, but we still keep on using it anyway. How is any commodity of high value any different? Legalize the herb, tax it, put an age limit on it and control it.
Were and how were the drugs destroyed???????/Inquiring minds would like to know. I aint seen or had the smell of any substances burning. Wonder how much of the drugs are put back on the streets by the “you know who”? Drugs seized in large quanities need to be destroyed publicly.
The question re. What happens to the confiscated drugs remains unanswered. Why??
If police claim they only seize 10% of drugs per year. This only means the 90% has increased in 2010…. It does not necessarily mean they stepped up their efforts!
If by accepted recconing the ammount confiscated is 20% of the total ammount which enters our island, then the drug trade is worth well in access of 120 – 150 million dollars per year. This is staggering and shows that whether we like it or not the drug trade is a major player in our economy. Is there the collective will to stop this or simply to control the ammount on the streets.How many businesses would suffer or cease to exist if the drug trade were stopped. Who do you think are buying these big ticket items. Do you think for one minute that a single woman whose son has purchased a sub-zero fridge or flat screen HD TV is going to open her eyes to the fact that that same son is “not working”. We play lip service to this issue, but are we willing to deal with the consequenses of putting a stop to this? The tentacles of this insidious and far reaching cancer has permeated every facet of our society. We are being held hostage by a monster of our own making. Kill it and we suffer…let it live and it will kill us… God help us!
As someone who is overly concerned with the current governments spending habits, am I the only person who feels it is a great waste of money for us to continuously prosecute people for cannabis crimes? I know it’s illegal, but is it worth the enforcement if the burden on society outweighs the damage that I can cause? It’s not crack so you don’t have to worry about junkies. The whole world except America has come to the understanding you really can’t stop people from doing cannabis. I wonder what the savings would be if we did decide to not prosecute persons with cannabis charges. Would we then be able to apply a few more million to our deficit? Beyond this I wonder what affect it would have on the police services ability to seek out violent criminals and those pushing hard drugs. Just seems like a waste of our money and the police and judicial systems time. Ever heard the saying “Got bigger fish to fry.” Talk about priorities lol.
LEGALIZE MARIJUANA !!!! DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA !! EITHER WAY !! FREE THE WEED….FIND THE COKE, DOPE, GUNS AND REAL CRIMINALS… NOPE THEY CANT DO THAT CUZ THE CRIMINALS IN THE STREET ARE WORKING FOR THE CRIMINALS IN THE SUITS AND UNIFORMS… HAVE A BLESSED DAY
We have stupid drug policies…they solve NOTHING^^
Realest. ….You got that. Hell we can even open the “Amsterdam” terminal. Trite horn…
With the value of cannabis seized, there has to be money people behind it. The ones charged are merely the mules and pawns. Surely it is clear there are high ups safe from prosecution and these are the ones that need to be exposed. Who makes the law, can ignore the law and can change the law? Go figure.
Who seizes the stuff ? Who interacts with those who are caught? Who is responsible for proper handling? (weighing etc) Who is responsible for proper storage until a trial ends? Who overseas the burning of the illegal drugs? Who confirms ALL seized drugs are destroyed.
Just wondering.
AND THE TRUTH BEHIND THE VIOLENCE FINALLY COMES OUT!!!! All this weed seized and very little coke and heroin..Dont the police and government have more serious issues to deal with..REAL TALK— Every winter in bermuda there is a weed shortage on the island which results in people drinking alot more and we all know alcohol provides LIQUID COURAGE and VIOLENCE.individuals with weak minds end up trying harder drugs but whats even more frustrating is the price goes sky high all because of the seizures.weed is to bulky and has a strong smell so it makes it harder to import.. herion and coke has no smell and when compressed and packaged its small can also be made into a liquid makeing it easier to import.Put these drugs in the classes the should be in .small steps do work,make weed a class D drug, crack and heroin class A.this also eliminates people from going on the stop list for a PLANT.
This whole article sums up what the EXACT problem is with the war on drugs! Cannabis makes up 98% of drug seizures LMAO!!
Good works guys, now the crack and heroine addicts can rest easy that they are still going to be able to purchase their crack and heroine with the money or goods they have stolen to get it! That dog at the airport must not be trained to smell anything other than weed! Absolutely ridiculous!