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antecedents
Bermuda has problems. Where
narcotics command high prices (in a tax free - cash environment) the temptation to import
is great (more so given the Island's close proximity to the U.S.A.). See 'Why
Bermuda?'
Who in the world has the record for 'locking up criminals'? -
Bermuda - see 'prison stats'.
Perverting the course of justice? decide for yourself at
'alter Statement'
Bermuda's only Olympic medallist -
Clarence Hill - bronze medal for boxing. What has become of Bermuda's
hero? See 'Olympic Robber'
I have no need to enhance the content, or brag. I do not
believe there is another Englishman who was transferred to the Narcotics department after
such short service in the Bermuda Police force (2.5years). I would be surprised if
another has my arrest record whilst in Bermuda. Why I was transferred is detailed on
the background page.
This is a factual site, the content is supported by documentary
evidence. This is not a fictional soap opera but a site which recounts what actually
occurred during my 2 years in the Bermuda Narcotics department. My successes,
failures, the attempts to 'stitch me up', rivalry, you name it, all will appear.
Clearly I am not the only one with a grievance. If you
visit Bermuda on-line, you will receive details of the background, funding and contact
details for the Bermuda Police Service. The following information appears in
relation to the former Commissioner of Police (COP);
Mr. Coxall resigned in October 1997
in sheer disgust, with six months to go of his contract. He had to put up with far
too much petty and unnecessary controversy from certain Cabinet Members of the Bermuda
Government and Progressive Labour Party. The circumstances under which he left were
a disgrace to Bermuda, a very poor reflection of its Government and Opposition. But
on July 9, 1998 it was announced in the USA and Bermuda that Mr. Coxall had won a top
award for drug-busting while he was in Bermuda, for his role in Operation
Cleansweep. The controversy surrounding this got too close to Bermuda Government
Ministers at the time, a major factor in his sudden departure.
I rose very quickly from police constable to detective in the
Narcotics department and whilst my story may be of little interest or consequence, I
believe the day to day activities; 'operations', interviews, arrests, intelligence etc.
will entertain.
The links should all be active, including those contained within
the text. If you experience problems, please use the feedback page to inform me.
Similarly, if I have left anything unexplained, or you feel the content is a
little obscure, please use the feedback form to air your view and I will attempt to
rectify the page.
Following the arrest of narcotics importers (1990) my role in the
department became all the more difficult. The investigation suggested those
associated with the importation included a Bermuda Barrister and a Bermuda police Officer.
In August 1990, after I received a telephone call from a State
Trooper (U.S.A.) working, in a an intelligence role alongside the Drug Enforcement
Administration (U.S.A.). The transcript can be read with these pages.
Within 24 hours, I was moved from the department and my employment was effectively
terminated.
Be under no misapprehension, this is
a protest site. I object to the manner in which my services were discarded by senior
Officers who, on nothing more than rumor and murmuring, put an end to 5 years of my
dedicated service.
I am guilty of no offences, but I will demonstrate that the
former Commissioner of Police is guilty of 'Oppressive Conduct' as defined by Force
Standing Instructions. The evidence is very simple, logical and based on the
correspondence in my possession, I believe irrefutable.
In addition, I will air the concerns which existed in 1990 / 91
and which still cast great doubt over the effectiveness of the Bermuda Police Narcotics
Department. Indeed, you will be provided examples of the dictatorial and oppressive
regime that rules the police service.
My word may not be good enough for you therefore I will provide
documentary and tape transcript corroboration. However, it was not that long ago
that an officer appeared in Supreme Court and advised of being asked to change a statement
by fellow officers; evidence that corruption continues.
I believe very little has changed.
I thank you for taking the time to read this far. I am
hopeful that, aside of my complaint which is of interest primarily to myself, you will
find the content to be of interest, if not concern.
Philip Swift
Former DC 217 Bermuda Police Narcotics 8th
November 1988 - 27th August 1990
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