U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe | U.S. Department of Justice
Two Bahamian nationals face federal charges after authorities intercepted a vessel carrying 188 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. The incident occurred on January 5, when Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents from Fort Lauderdale and Miami responded to a tip-off from the Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC) about a suspicious vessel heading towards Port Everglades Inlet in Florida.
Agents deployed multiple Coastal Interceptor Vessels to intercept the approaching Contender Center Console vessel approximately four nautical miles from Hillsboro Inlet. Onboard were Alfred Lynton Laing and Runo Traveeno Laing, both from the Bahamas. The vessel was escorted to a nearby harbor for inspection, where agents discovered bricks of cocaine concealed within.
The defendants are set for arraignment on January 21 at 11 a.m., according to U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, AMO Executive Director Andres “Andy” Blanco, and DEA Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter.
The case is being investigated by AMO and DEA with Assistant U.S. Attorney Nardia Haye prosecuting. It is important to note that a criminal complaint is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Further details can be accessed through related court documents available on the Southern District of Florida's website or through their PACER system under case number 25-cr-6004.
