Drugs worth almost $30 million in an illegal trade that “directly” sustain violent crime on the island’s streets got intercepted last year by police — thanks in large part to community reporting, the Commissioner of Police said today.

Darrin Simons thanked the public for their assistance, which he said resulted in “major, major seizures, arrests and successful prosecutions”.

Mr Simons said the next step would be tackling the profits of these crimes, with joint investigations into money laundering and assets of similar values being seized.

He added: “I want to make it clear that drug trafficking is directly linked to gun and gang crime, and targeting drug trafficking also disrupts those persons involved in some of our most violent crime.

“Just as important, this activity prevented these drugs from getting into the community.

“This helps protect our community with the harm directly associated with drug use.”

Mr Simons said that, across a series of seizures, 29 people were arrested for drug-related offences, with 11 formally charged and five convicted.

Drugs netted ranged from cannabis and cannabis products to cocaine, diamorphine and fentanyl.

He credited this success to intelligence-led policing and targeted enforcement by police, as well as co-operation with the Customs Department and the Department of Public Prosecutions.

However, Mr Simons added: “A big part of this is you — our community.

“It’s through your information, your assistance, that we’re able to bring many of those responsible not only for drug importation, but for crime in general, to justice — and for that, I say ‘thank you’.

“It’s been proven time and time again that when we work together, we make Bermuda safer.”

Mr Simons said the interceptions dealt a “substantial blow” to those seeking to profit from organised crime, reflecting “the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our officers”.

He added: “They continue to work tirelessly to disrupt criminal enterprises at all levels.

“Each arrest, each seizure and each conviction represents a step towards a safer community and sends a clear message that the Bermuda Police Service remains relentless in its fight against crime.”