NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Inside authorities have confirmed to Eyewitness News that a 45-foot vessel at the center of a foiled drug trafficking attempt by U.S. authorities is connected to Free National Movement political candidate and former National Security Minister Marvin Dames.
The vessel, registered under NP-7228 with the Port Department, is tied to Dames’ charter company, Reel Xperience Charters.
Eyewitness News understands that Malcom Rashad Goodman, described as a business associate of Dames, was arrested earlier this month and reportedly admitted to drug-related offenses. Sources indicate Goodman was operating as captain of the vessel at the time it was intercepted.
While Goodman has reportedly taken responsibility for the alleged criminal activity, serious questions remain about the vessel’s ownership, oversight and the nature of Dames’ business relationship with the suspect.
In a statement seeking to distance himself from the matter, Dames denied any wrongdoing. However, he did not explain how a vessel connected to him came to be involved in what authorities are treating as a significant drug interdiction, nor did he clarify the operational structure of the charter company.
It remains unclear whether investigators will expand their probe to examine the ownership and business ties linked to NP-7228.
Dames has maintained he will continue his bid for the Mount Moriah seat despite the controversy.
