Customs intercepts major drug shipment in cargo operation

His Majesty’s Customs Department has announced the interception of a significant drug importation operation that occurred on Tuesday, December 10.

According to a government press release issued on Thursday, December 12, customs officers discovered numerous packages containing a green vegetable matter suspected to be cannabis during a routine cargo inspection.

Acting Commissioner Clinton Romney confirmed the seizure but noted that further details could not be disclosed as the matter is now under investigation by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). He also stated that no arrests have been made to date.

“This is a significant win in the Customs Department’s fight against drug trafficking. It also sends a strong message to those who seek to profit from the importation of illicit drugs,” Romney said.

He emphasised the department’s commitment to securing the territory’s borders and protecting its communities from the impacts of illegal substances.

His Majesty’s Customs has called on the public to assist both the RVIPF and Customs by reporting any information that could aid in their investigations.

While the exact quantity of drugs seized in this operation has not been disclosed, the department highlighted a similar operation in December 2023 when more than seven pounds of marijuana were confiscated during routine checks at a local shipping company.

Despite these enforcement successes, concerns persist among some residents about the territory’s porous borders and insufficient personnel to adequately monitor all ports of entry, suggesting that larger quantities of drugs may bypass detection.