By Tynia Brown

Journal Staff Writer 

Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Commander Floyd Moxey is providing a comprehensive overview of the country’s human smuggling challenge, revealing five-year statistics and outlining the strategic actions taken by the force to protect Bahamian waters.

Captain Moxey stated that human smuggling remains a persistent global problem, one that nations with extensive ocean borders continue to combat. The Bahamas, positioned along major maritime routes, is especially vulnerable. He noted that while the country benefits economically from legitimate maritime traffic, its geography also makes it a target for criminal networks seeking to move people and goods illegally.

To counter this, the RBDF has deployed assets throughout the archipelago, reinstating small-boat capabilities in Abaco, maintaining stations in Grand Bahama and Bimini, and operating satellite bases stretching to Great Inagua. These deployments, he added, are strengthened through partnerships with international allies who help co-locate small boat stations with advanced maritime radar systems. This step has significantly improved the country’s ability to monitor and control wide stretches of open ocean.

Despite enhanced technology and intelligence-sharing, smugglers continue to exploit The Bahamas’ vast and complex waterways. Commander Moxey reported that from 2021 through December 4, 2025, the RBDF has interdicted or assisted in intercepting 344 vessels linked to migrant or human smuggling activity. From these efforts, 11,791 migrants were apprehended and handed over to the appropriate authorities.

He emphasized that the numbers reflect maritime interdictions only and do not include additional land-based operations conducted with the Department of Immigration.

Of the 344 interdictions, 181 were vessels inbound to The Bahamas, primarily carrying Haitian and Cuban nationals. These accounted for 8,114 migrants apprehended, including more than 6,545 were Haitians. Meanwhile, 163 vessels were intercepted attempting to leave The Bahamas for the United States. These smuggling attempts commonly originate from northern islands like Bimini and Grand Bahama, resulting in 3,677 migrants being apprehended over five years from a range of countries, including Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and China.

According to intelligence assessments, many of these migrants enter The Bahamas legally, but later pay smugglers up to $10,000 for the “last mile” leg of their journey to the U.S.

Commander Moxey also confirmed that, as recently as December 3, the RBDF disrupted yet another suspected human smuggling operation. A coordinated surveillance and patrol effort led to Harbour Patrol officers intercepting a vessel. On board were eight people: an American male who identified himself as the captain, four Ecuadorian men, two Ecuadorian women, and one Dominican man. They were turned over to authorities for investigation into immigration breaches, overstaying, and suspected involvement in human smuggling.

He said the interdiction underscores the vigilance of RBDF officers and the strength of the force’s cooperation with local and international partners. Every successful stop, he noted, represents “a life potentially saved and a criminal network weakened.”

Captain Moxey reaffirmed that the RBDF remains committed to protecting the nation’s borders, safeguarding territorial integrity, and staying ahead of criminal groups that continue to adapt their methods. Human smuggling, he said, is an evolving threat, but one that the RBDF is determined to suppress through technology, intelligence, and the continued dedication of its men and women.