By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

July 18, 2025 – A historic cocaine seizure by Haitian authorities has left at least three men dead and others critically injured, following a bloody and chaotic incident at sea on Sunday, July 13.  The event, which Haitian police say resulted in the recovery of nearly 100 kilograms of illicit drugs, has turned tragic and controversial, with Bahamian and Jamaican citizens at the center of the operation.

The scene, captured in disturbing video footage released by the Haitian National Police, showed two bloodied men aboard a speedboat. Their bodies were visibly torn by what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds — blood soaked parts of the vessel.  The Jamaican man appeared near death, weak from both the injuries and the sun.  In the footage, Haitian police officers are seen dousing him with cool water in an effort to stabilize him.  His condition remains unknown.

The Bahamian survivor, still alert, was seen speaking on camera, identifying himself and acknowledging involvement.  In a separate video obtained by Magnetic Media, the same man is seen later, lying barely conscious on a stretcher, appearing gravely wounded and struggling to breathe.

The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday that it received unverified reports via its embassy in Port-au-Prince that three Bahamian males and one Jamaican male were on a boat when they were shot at by unknown individuals.  Two Bahamians were reportedly killed and one hospitalized.

Haitian police accounts offered a different version, stating they intercepted a rowboat heavily laden with drugs.  That report claims two Jamaican citizens drowned, one of whom was taken to the morgue, and that a Bahamian is in police custody.

The discrepancy between the reports has generated significant confusion, with details still emerging.  Both Haitian and Bahamian officials have not confirmed who fired the shots, or what precisely led to the violent confrontation.

Adding another layer to the investigation, regional sources suspect the drugs were being trafficked either from Jamaica to Haiti or vice versa — making the Jamaican citizens potentially key figures in the suspected inter-island smuggling route.

The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated:

“We still await the formal notification from the Haitian government as to what transpired on Sunday, July 13.  We are in touch with the authorities and are pressing them to respond.”

The Ministry added that it is providing support to the affected families in The Bahamas.

Meanwhile, both The Bahamas and the United States have reissued “Do Not Travel” advisories for Haiti, as the security situation continues to decline.  Armed gangs remain in control of major areas, and the United Nations reports that over 5.2 million Haitians are facing food insecurity amid ongoing civil collapse.

While Haitian authorities call the operation a milestone in counter-narcotics enforcement, the lack of clear answers — and the evident human toll — has cast a long shadow over the bust.

This is a developing story.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – Providenciales, TCI – The Blue Hills and Wheeland communities are reeling from the brutal murder of 47-year-old Rose Etienne, whose mutilated body was discovered on the evening of July 15th in an area known as Dako Yard, Providenciales.

According to eyewitness reports obtained by Eagle Legal News Network, Etienne suffered extensive chop and stab wounds. Residents in the area described the attack as “cruel” and “inhuman,” with one neighbor revealing the victim’s neck was nearly severed—her head left attached by only a small piece of skin at the back. Another local woman alleged that the perpetrator or perpetrators removed large chunks of flesh from Etienne’s body, suggesting that parts may have been taken from the scene, as they were not recovered during the initial police search.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) confirmed the suspected homicide and launched a full investigation. In an official statement, police reported receiving a call at 6:35 p.m. alerting them to the discovery of a lifeless body. Officers and emergency personnel responded promptly and entered the home, where they found Etienne’s body bearing multiple chop wounds.

Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive, nor have they announced any arrests. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, whether by contacting the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, dialing 911, or submitting tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or through the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

The community has been left shaken by the horrific nature of the killing, with calls growing louder for greater protection in vulnerable areas. Police continue to canvas the area and interview potential witnesses as the investigation deepens.

The Eagle Legal News Network extends condolences to the family and loved ones of Rose Etienne as they navigate this unspeakable tragedy.

Turks and Caicos, June 28, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) has formally charged two individuals in connection with separate incidents of violence reported in Providenciales.

ZEKE HAMILTON, a 24-year-old resident of Blue Hills, has been charged with two counts of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm, contrary to Section 27 of the Offences Against the Person Act, Chapter 3.08.

The charge stems from an incident that occurred on June 5, 2025, in which Mr. Hamilton is alleged to have assaulted a female and her 18-month-old daughter.

The accused was charged on June 7 and granted $ 2,500 with one surety. He is expected to appear before a Magistrate on June 30.

In a separate matter, ANDREINA POLO, a 34-year-old resident of Five Cays, has been charged with Wounding with Intent, contrary to Section 10 of the Offences Against the Person Act, Chapter 3.08.

The offence allegedly occurred on December 25, 2024, around 8:00 p.m., when Ms. Polo allegedly wounded a female. The accused was charged on June 24, 2025, following an investigation and was granted $3,000 bail with surety.

Ms. Polo is scheduled to appear before a Magistrate on July 14.