Five families from Florida who have been sailing down to the Abacois every year since the late 1980’s say they are giving the cays a wide berth in the future because of increased drug activity there.<\/P><\/p>\n
“There is no way I am bringing my family into that kind of environment,” on ethem told The Tribune yesterday, “It’s just not worth it.”<\/P><\/p>\n
The boat owner, who gave his name but asked for it to be withheld, cited a prominent Abaco citizen who he claimed was a “known drug trafficker” and said: “if people like this are allowed to get into prominence, what does that say about your country?”<\/P><\/p>\n
He added: “I thought this kind of foolishness was done away with, but it’s there for all to see. You need to get it under control or you will drive the tourists away.”<\/P><\/p>\n
The families claim their children have been hassled in the Abaco cays by drug dealers and that hard drugs are being brought into the cays at night.<\/P><\/p>\n
“We’ve seen these ‘go-fast’ boats down there and they are being used for one purpose only. A group of us have beencoming down there every year for several months at a time since 1989, but we’re going elsewhere form now on.<\/P><\/p>\n
“It makes no sense to have people like this around. I thought all this had changed.”<\/P><\/p>\n
The source said the cays – notably Man-O-War Cay and Hope Town – were being “polluted” by the drug traffickers.<\/P><\/p>\n
From now on we’re missing the Abacos and taking a new route through The Bahamas. We don’t want our kids being around this kind of thing. The things that go on during the night are unbelievable.”<\/P><\/p>\n
Sources in Abaco confirmed last night that drug trafficking is still a problem on the island. Sandy point was cited as a centre of drug activity.<\/P><\/p>\n
“Drugs are coming through, there’s no doubt about that,” said one resident, “It’s not even close to the levels of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s but it’s there alright.”<\/P><\/p>\n
“Unfortunately, Abaco is the perfect place for drug trafficking because it’s only four hours away from Florida by go-fast boat and less than an hour by plane.<\/P><\/p>\n
“In the old days, practically every family in Marsh Harbour had someone who was connected or knew someone who was connected to the drug business.<\/P><\/p>\n
“Once that habit gets a hold it’s hard to break.”<\/P><\/p>\n
Another source said brand new go-fast boats on trailers – costing up to $200,000 a time – were a frequent sight on the island.<\/P><\/p>\n
An island official said last night: “We’re aware of it and are trying to contain it. Drug trafficking does Abaco no favours and it’s disturbing to hear that tourists are now becoming aware of it.”<\/P><\/p>\n
In recent years, Abaco has proved one of the most bouyant economies in The Bahamas making a substantial contribution to Treasury funds.<\/P><\/p>\n
But now five Florida families will not be contributing to the island’s success from now on.<\/P><\/p>\n
“Enough is enough,” said one boat owner, “they will not be seeing us there again.”<\/P>
\n
The Tribune<\/B><\/P><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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