BVI News

10 illegal immigrants caught and detained!

Local law enforcement officers have detained 10 illegal immigrants who were reportedly smuggled into the territory last Thursday, June 25.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force said in a media Sunday evening that the majority of the immigrants — five males and one female — were found on the outer island of Prickly Pear taking refuge in a small building.

“An additional search was conducted the following day which uncovered four more persons — two on the beachfront of the island and two on Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda,” the RVIPF said.

The illegal immigrants were discovered after police received a call from “a concerned member of the community” regarding a white sailing vessel that allegedly dropped off persons with backpacks at Prickly Pear Island.

Alleged smuggler identified

The RVIPF said a joint task force comprising police as well as Customs and Immigration Officers responded and intercepted a white sailing vessel heading away from the island in a northerly direction.

“As a result of inquiries, the lone occupant of the sailing vessel, Crawford Sabaroch — a 53-year-old native of Dominica residing in St Maarten — was arrested and charged for Being Engaged in Illegal Smuggling and Illegal Entry,” the RVIPF reported.

Police said Sabaroche is being held under quarantine at Paradise Suites pending an appearance at the Magistrate’s Court.

The remaining immigrants are also being held at Paradise Suites pending deportation, the police stated.

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9 Comments

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  1. Wow says:

    This is uncalled for, what are this people thinking? They trying to affect the territory with convid-19? Send them back

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  2. Doh says:

    The others were BVI residents just trying to get home…

    Like 4
    Dislike 3
  3. small island says:

    Is the security guard armed? This requires a serious security response for people who are desperate,potential flight risk and looking at prison or deportation.

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  4. small island says:

    I want to add a shout out of praise to the “concerned citizen” and the police who acted to intercept the people.

  5. Virgin Gorda says:

    If you sail, you know that the best way to get to the BVI by boat is from the EAST. Can’t sail up-wind! So we need more police in North Sound! Open that customs office. It just needs a sign that say Police and give us some constables. People sneaking in from the EAST is BAD for everyone. Put some people in place and don’t be waiting for it to happen. Pretty much the wild west there now.

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