2 guns found, 5 charged on Tortola and JVD

Police said they found two loaded guns and charged five people during two separate searches within a 24-hour period this week on the islands of Tortola and Jost Van Dyke.

In the Jost Van Dyke search, which was carried out on Tuesday, police questioned the occupants of a dinghy docked in Little Harbour.

“A subsequent search in the immediate area uncovered a loaded firearm and a kilogram of cocaine,” said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

It added that three persons were arrested, but only two were charged.

Those charged are 24-year-old Chris Creque, and 34-year-old Edgar Carrasco.

The charges are keeping an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.

Tortola search

In the other search, which was led by the Immigration Department at an apartment in the Cox Heath area of Tortola Monday afternoon, three Venezuelan nationals were taken in the custody.

“A loaded firearm and large quantity of cash were uncovered in that search. Customs officers were also a part of that operation,” said the RVIPF.

Three persons were arrested and charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, as well as several immigration offences.

They are 37-year-old Jose Rosquel, 38-year-old Jan Arolde Marin, and 38-year-old Andri Lopez Zacarias.

The RVIPF said inquiries are continuing into both matters.