Two Bahamian nationals face federal charges for allegedly attempting to smuggle around 188 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. The individuals were intercepted by Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents as they approached Port Everglades Inlet in Florida.
On January 5, at approximately 11 a.m., AMO Marine Interdiction agents from Fort Lauderdale and Miami were alerted by the Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC) about a suspicious vessel heading towards the Southern District of Florida. Multiple Coastal Interceptor Vessels were deployed to intercept the boat. With guidance from AMOC on the vessel's position, course, and speed, agents stopped a Contender Center Console vessel with Alfred Lynton Laing and Runo Traveeno Laing aboard about four nautical miles from Hillsboro Inlet. Upon escorting the vessel to a nearby harbor for inspection, agents found approximately 188 kilograms of cocaine hidden within.
The two men are set to be arraigned on January 21 at 11 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida announced the charges alongside AMO Executive Director Andres “Andy” Blanco and Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division.
The case was 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 beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
For more information or related court documents, visit the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida or access http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-6004.