Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) officers yesterday arrested an American man on board a vessel in south Bimini which contained nearly half a million dollars’ worth of suspected marijuana.

According to Chief Superintendent Samuel Butler, commander of the DEU, the 52-year-old man was found on board a 30-foot sailing sloop with American registration.

“A search was conducted of that vessel that revealed a large quantity of suspected marijuana,” Butler said. “The marijuana weighed in at some 436 pounds and has an estimated street value of $436,000.”

The suspect and the confiscated drugs were brought in to the capital yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Butler said investigations continue to determine whether this may be a part of larger ring. He added that a search continues for other suspects who may have been involved in this matter.

This latest bust is one of the unit’s biggest for the year and Chief Superintendent Butler said that police will be relentless in their pursuit of those who attempt to engage in trafficking of drugs.

“We are seeing a trend that is being slowed so far for the year,” he said. “The DEU continues to be focused in its efforts of drug trafficking.”

Charges are expected to be filed against the suspect sometime this week.